The Department of Visual Media plays an instrumental role in managing the software that makes a fest tick. Their coordinator, Divyam Goel talked to us regarding their work during BOSM.
DVM operates multiple websites and portals, integral to the working of the fest. The BOSM website contains details of events, has a gallery for Photography Club, and links to other useful sites. The registration portal is where outstation participants apply to come for BOSM. After applying, PCR reviews the application and then decides if they want to accept or reject the application. If the application is accepted, they will be asked to pay the registration fees.
They have the RegSoft (registration software), which keeps track of a participant’s status while on campus. After a participant arrives on campus, Firewallz updates the website. RecNAcc uses the site to allot rooms, while Controls does the same when participants make payments at their booth. After this, the registration process is completed. The department has also designed an inventory site for ReccNAcc to keep track of its resources, a much better alternative to the previous method of logging entries onto paper.
Aside from this, they also have an app which they release on Day 0 of the fest. It is not to be mistaken to be the BOSM website in app form, because it has its own new features such as the mobile wallet. The wallet is a new addition this BOSM, though DVM had implemented this concept during APOGEE 2018 and 2019, and OASIS 2018. This time, they have refined the formula much more, having had experience with the wallet for over a year. The app will also have a quiz, made in collaboration with HAS (Hindi Activities Society) to keep the users engaged with the app.
For an undertaking this ambitious, they had to start early. Plans were formulated as early as April, and a lot of the work was done during the vacations. Even during compres, some were busy doing work for the websites.
As with software development, there are bound to be problems. Staying up to date while making the means that they use the latest packages for their work. However, it often gives rise to many problems and bugs. As many of those working have not published their software, that experience exposes them to issues that were unforeseen. They have to resolve errors after release, which can often be very difficult. Another objective the department has is to optimize existing software, using previous experiences and feedback from those who use the websites. They try to change the design as per the preference of the departments that use the sites, for better efficiency in work and ergonomics.
The coordinator has had a very pleasant experience working with the CoSSac, and praised their willingness to listen to suggestions. As most of their deadlines were met, he was very happy with the way things have been so far.