Roadmap.md

Milestone 1 [Short term]:

Create a documentation methodology & space to assist the continuous communication about Balconnect's mission and principles to anyone interested.

Topics:

• The '4 pillars of Balconnect' and the importance of people-plant interaction.
• Catalunya native plant list
• The most important changes Balconnect aims to achieve & the research questions it aims to answer.
• Storyline & lessons learned 06/2020-12/2021
• The science and knowledge base Balconnect is building on.

Tasks:

1. Document a presencial and virtual 'People-Plant Interaction' workshop script & material.
   1. Full script in English and Spanish (incl. topic ideas for a 2.0 workshop)
   2. Plant details cards
   3. Destiny plant (Arduino code, KiCad Schematics, pics)
2. Define target groups (users, experts, sponsors)
3. Find & document the language of the project both in EN & ES [keywords, glossary]
4. Create a simple EN-ES website for Balconnect (intro, products, project status, contact).
5. Write '3-min-read' blog posts e.g. Medium articles, referencing to all resources that inspire Balconnect and underpin both its 'why' and 'how'.
6. Update & push introduction via Planteka & Replantem channels, gain email addresses & followers on Twitter & IG
7. Tweet / IG the most interesting facts & news from the above topics on a regular (weekly) basis.

Milestone 2 [Short term]:

Establish a working group of early adopters - contributors and users

Preparation:

• Create a roadmap towards the first proof of concept prototype detailing the different options to get involved
• Work out a community management strategy that includes
  • set-up of collaboration space & communication channels [GitHub, Slack, Telegram, etc.]
  • welcome pack [all-in-one go-to document]
  • weekly calls schedule and minutes template
  • collaboration, openness & documentation guidelines
  • status update [internal newsletter] templates
• Define collaboration with experts (e.g. scientific objectives & feasibility) + research expert target groups

Action:

• Open call for early adopter expert & user volunteers on Twitter & IG
• Introduce project on WorkOnClimate & ask for early adopter expert volunteers
• Define collaboration with users + send emails to workshop participants (Slack invite)
• Introduce project & announce workshops on Planet Venus and BCN Gardening FB group
• Based on working group experience, script the community management strategy for the first prototype (channels, timing etc. for collaboration & communication)

Milestone 3 [Medium term, by 04/2022]:

First proof of concept prototype

• Research reference projects esp. open ones for data collection, processing and visualisation
• Establish workflow and framework for data management (EUDAT)
• Research and select the app & server for data collection to be used for prototype
• Collaborate with early adopters to collect real raw data and to test prototype in real situations over a period of 3 months
• Surveys and documentation about experiences & feedback
• Document and publish steps of engagement and usage
• Visualise and publish collected data (Galaxy)

Milestone 4 [Medium term]:

Find sponsors

• Research & list all possibilities for funds & awards
  • https://empreses.barcelonactiva.cat/es_ES/web/es/tots-els-programes
• Collect all data & define all aspects of the project that are needed for funds applications.
• Opportunities:
  • Impulsem el que fas - Deadline: 04/2022
  • Distributed Design Awards - Deadline: 04/2022
  • La ciutat proactiva - Deadline: 07/2022
  • Pressupostos Participatius (in Sant Pere de Ribes with open yard weekend idea) - Deadline: 07/2022

Milestone 5 [Medium term]:

Launch Balconnect device

• Document device design & production process from 07/2020
• Research reference devices esp. open source ones
• Brainstorm & design possible uses of device with community
• Find & contact a lead technician e.g. Josep from FabLab Barcelona to conduct production
• First proof of concept prototype
• Collaborate with community to test device prototype, document feedback, brainstorm on other device uses & design

Milestone 6 [Long term]:

Extended communication to reach wider (and international) audience for possible more collaboration & opportunities

• Collaborate with personal role models & favourite media e.g.

  • Dr. Niki Wallace, Marielle Anzelone
  • 'In Defense of Plants' podcast & blog, The Ethnobotanical Assembly, Emergence Magazine, and involve community in nature writing

• Start an Open Podcast interviewing plant owners & experts of different regions