Display Group Name On Judge Live Page: A Feature Request

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into a crucial feature request concerning the judge live page within the HackUTD platform. Specifically, the request focuses on the ability to display the group name directly on the judge live page. This enhancement aims to streamline the judging process by providing judges with immediate context regarding the groups they are evaluating. This feature will make it easier for judges to quickly identify and assess groups, especially in scenarios where multiple groups are being judged simultaneously. Throughout this discussion, we will explore the benefits, technical considerations, and implementation strategies associated with this valuable addition.

The Need for Group Name Display

The primary motivation behind this feature request is to enhance the clarity and efficiency of the judging process. Currently, judges may need to navigate through different sections of the platform to identify the group they are evaluating. This extra step can be time-consuming and may lead to confusion, especially during high-pressure situations like live judging events. Displaying the group name directly on the judge live page would eliminate this ambiguity, allowing judges to focus on the merits of the project rather than administrative overhead.

Imagine a scenario where several groups are presenting in different rooms or tables. Without a clear indication of the group name on the live page, judges might struggle to keep track of which group they are currently evaluating. This can lead to errors in scoring and feedback, ultimately impacting the fairness and accuracy of the judging process. By displaying the group name, such as Table ## | <Group name>, judges can quickly and accurately identify the group, ensuring that they are providing feedback to the correct team. This simple change can significantly reduce the cognitive load on judges, allowing them to concentrate on providing insightful and constructive evaluations.

Proposed Implementation

The proposed solution involves a straightforward yet effective approach. The group name, typically reflecting the room number or a unique identifier, would be prominently displayed on the judge live page. The suggested format, Table ## | <Group name>, provides a clear and concise way to present this information. This ensures that judges can immediately associate the group with its corresponding project, streamlining the evaluation process.

From a technical perspective, implementing this feature would require several key steps. First, a dedicated store would need to be created to manage this specific option. This store would serve as a centralized repository for the group name information, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the platform. Second, a mechanism would need to be implemented to fetch this information and display it on the judge live page. To optimize performance, the group name should only be fetched once, as it is unlikely to change during the judging session. Finally, a judge-auth endpoint would need to be added to provide secure access to this specific option, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view the group names.

Technical Considerations

Implementing the group name display feature involves several technical considerations to ensure a seamless and efficient user experience. One of the primary considerations is the creation of a dedicated store for this option. This store should be designed to handle the retrieval and storage of group names efficiently. It is crucial to optimize the data retrieval process to minimize latency and ensure that the group names are displayed promptly on the judge live page.

Another important aspect is the implementation of a caching mechanism. Since the group name is unlikely to change during a judging session, it makes sense to fetch this information only once and store it in a cache. This approach reduces the load on the server and improves the overall performance of the platform. The cache can be implemented using various techniques, such as in-memory caching or a distributed caching system, depending on the scalability requirements of the application.

Furthermore, the addition of a judge-auth endpoint is essential for security. This endpoint should be designed to authenticate judges and ensure that only authorized users can access the group name information. The authentication mechanism should be robust and secure, protecting the confidentiality of the group names and preventing unauthorized access. The endpoint should also be optimized to handle a high volume of requests, especially during live judging events where multiple judges may be accessing the information simultaneously.

Benefits of the Feature

The benefits of displaying the group name on the judge live page are manifold. Foremost, it enhances the clarity and efficiency of the judging process. By providing judges with immediate context regarding the groups they are evaluating, the feature reduces the potential for confusion and errors. This allows judges to focus on the substantive aspects of the projects, leading to more accurate and insightful evaluations. The feature also saves judges valuable time by eliminating the need to navigate through different sections of the platform to identify the group they are assessing. This time savings can be significant, especially during events where judges are evaluating numerous groups within a limited timeframe.

Moreover, the feature contributes to a more user-friendly and intuitive experience for judges. The clear display of the group name on the live page reduces cognitive load and allows judges to easily keep track of their progress. This can lead to increased satisfaction and engagement among judges, encouraging them to participate in future events. By making the judging process more streamlined and user-friendly, the feature can also attract a wider pool of judges, enhancing the overall quality of the evaluation process.

Use Cases and Examples

To further illustrate the value of this feature, let's consider a few specific use cases. Imagine a hackathon where hundreds of teams are participating, and judges are assigned to evaluate projects across multiple rooms or tables. Without the group name displayed on the live page, judges would need to manually cross-reference a separate list to identify the group they are about to evaluate. This can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in a fast-paced environment.

With the group name displayed prominently on the live page, judges can immediately see which team they are evaluating, eliminating the need for manual cross-referencing. This saves time and reduces the risk of evaluating the wrong team. Similarly, in a virtual judging environment, where judges may be remotely assessing projects, the group name display feature provides a crucial visual cue, helping judges to stay organized and focused.

Another use case involves situations where judges are interrupted or need to switch between different projects. Without a clear indication of the group name, it can be challenging for judges to quickly resume their evaluation. By displaying the group name on the live page, judges can easily reorient themselves and pick up where they left off, ensuring a seamless and consistent evaluation process.

Alternative Solutions

While the proposed solution of displaying the group name on the judge live page is the most direct and effective approach, there are alternative methods that could potentially address the underlying need for clarity and context in the judging process. One alternative would be to enhance the navigation and search capabilities within the judging platform. For example, judges could be provided with a more intuitive way to search for groups by name or table number. This would allow them to quickly locate the group they are evaluating, even if the name is not displayed directly on the live page.

Another alternative would be to implement a more robust notification system. Judges could receive notifications whenever a new group is assigned to them for evaluation. These notifications could include the group name and other relevant information, ensuring that judges are always aware of the context of their evaluations. However, this approach may not be as efficient as displaying the group name directly on the live page, as it still requires judges to actively check and process notifications.

Ultimately, the most effective solution is the one that provides the most immediate and intuitive way for judges to access the information they need. Displaying the group name on the live page satisfies this requirement by providing a clear and constant visual cue, minimizing the cognitive load on judges and streamlining the evaluation process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, displaying the group name on the judge live page represents a valuable enhancement to the HackUTD platform. This feature directly addresses the need for clarity and efficiency in the judging process, providing judges with immediate context regarding the groups they are evaluating. By implementing this feature, the platform can streamline the evaluation process, reduce the potential for errors, and enhance the overall user experience for judges. The proposed implementation, involving the creation of a dedicated store, a caching mechanism, and a judge-auth endpoint, ensures that the feature is both secure and performant.

The benefits of this feature extend beyond mere convenience. By making the judging process more intuitive and user-friendly, the platform can attract a wider pool of judges, leading to more comprehensive and insightful evaluations. This, in turn, contributes to the overall quality of the HackUTD events and the projects that are showcased. The implementation of this feature is a testament to the platform's commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to providing a seamless and rewarding experience for all participants.

For more information on best practices in judging and evaluation, consider exploring resources from trusted organizations like the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery). Their guidelines and publications offer valuable insights into effective evaluation methodologies.

By prioritizing features that enhance the user experience and streamline workflows, platforms like HackUTD can continue to foster innovation and collaboration within the tech community. The group name display feature is a prime example of how a simple change can have a significant impact, making the judging process more efficient, accurate, and enjoyable for everyone involved.