Research needs tracking

Hello all,

Often times, our discussions uncover certain research needs where the  
draft would benefit greatly from understanding a topic better. In  
order to facilitate that  process, I started a new page just for  
tracking research needs. Especially since many members may have  
easier access to research resources than other members (even simply  
when member A has access to user agent X and member B does not).

So if a thread leads to the question of research please add the item  
to the research list (unless the research can be completed quickly  
and easily by the participants in the discussion). Research items  
should be very specific. There's been a tendency on the list to  
simply say we need research, without considering precisely what  
research is needed. So when adding items to the list be sure to  
consider 1) what is the precise question that needs an answer; 2)  
what results the member is looking to find;  and 3) what particular  
measurements or thresholds would support adding features or removing  
features.

I also added the concept of low priority research and high priority  
research. Low priority  research is simply research that does not  
address a specific need with respect to an feature addition or  
removal that has garnered  consensus in the WG. High priority  needs  
have already reached a general consensus and the proposed research  
item may be pivotal in making a final decision.

I've included one simple example that arose over the last week. The  
item got requested and completed without this mechanism, but other  
items may be more difficult.

So if you find yourself or someone else saying we need research,  
consider putting that immediately onto the research items list. Other  
members may be able to help out.

Take care,
Rob

Received on Tuesday, 14 August 2007 08:05:51 UTC