COMAD 2016

We’re living in the data age. This is a time when data can be collected from traditional devices such as computers and smartphones, as well as newer wristwatches, machinery, and a host of other Internet-connected devices. Companies are putting this data to use to learn about trends and business insights. Research found that agency and brand executives in the United States are finding them better able to understand the customer experience and develop new products, as well as fine-tune marketing strategies by being better able to analyze consumer opinions on their current offerings. More data is created in one minute today than ever before. Google receives more than two million search queries in a minute! Or that, in that same minute, more than 3,600 new photos are shared by users on Instagram and 684,478 content items are posted to Facebook.

But what’s the best way to present collected data? How to turn insights in the data to timely action? After all, data and insights are of no use if they do not lead to timely decisions and actions. Some people may be able to look at the raw data and draw conclusions, but what about the non-data scientist crowd who make most of the decisions in read world?

Here comes Data Visualization!

Data visualizations can be used to help broader audiences understand and digest complicated data. “Data visualization” is a wide term that applies to visual representations that help viewers see and interpret patterns and trends in the data. Being able to see these trends allows people to more quickly articulate their ideas and thoughts.

The promise of Data Mining with Open Government Data

Traditionally, data mining and visualization has been targeted to marketers. With Open Data released by government, public is able to get a peek into everyday governance issues affecting the society. Hence, if one is able to derive meaningful insights from such data, multiple non-traditional stakeholders like citizens, businesses and government at all level benefit.

The COMAD Data Challenge Contest “DataView” (the “Contest”) tries to: (a) bring attention of machine learning community to open data, (b) show application of state-of-the-art techniques to societal and governance issues, and (c) promote new useful apps. It will try to strike a balance between learning new insights and build software (apps) that can help make the insights available easily to the decision makers. During the contest period, we will identify a set of open datasets and ask the participants to discover actionable insights.

CHALLENGE FORMAT

The Contest will be carried out in two rounds.

•	Round 1 will be about generating insights using data and learning methods. Deliverable will be a presentation report.
•	Round 2 will be about building an app (web or mobile) using APIs corresponding to open data. Deliverable will be a working URL (web app) or APK (android app).

EVALUATION

Each Entry will be judged by a panel of experts (the “Judges”) formed by COMAD organizing committee. Judges will judge each Entry according to the following equally weighted factors: (1) creativity, (2) thoroughness, (3) quality of work, (4) extensive use of open source data and (5) width and depth of analysis provided. More detailed evaluation criteria will be intimated before the launch of the challenge.

The Final rating will have a weightage of 40% on Round 1 rating and 60% on Round 2 rating. Prizes will be decided on Final rating and not on rating on any individual round. In the event that no Completed Entries are received, no prizes will be awarded. Determinations of Judges are final and binding. A list of winners will be posted on the Main Contest Page on or before March 11, 2016.

DATASET AND RESOURCES

•	https://data.gov.in/
•	Data for the competition will be released before the start of the first round.
•	Data Sources

RULES

•	The Contest is open to all. Participants need to participate in a team of 2 to 4
•	Must be compatible with the latest version (as of 1st November, 2015) of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari
•	In case you are building an Android App, it should support Android KitKat (4.x) and above
•	Judges’ decision will be binding

DEADLINE

The first round begins at Indian Standard Time (IST) 00:00:00 on November 1, 2015 and ends at 23:59:59 IST on December 15, 2015. The second round begins at Indian Standard Time (IST) 00:00:00 on January 01, 2016 and ends at 23:59:59 IST on February 15, 2016. You are responsible for determining the corresponding time zone in your respective locations.

PRIZES

Attractive prizes will be awarded to the Champion team and the Runner-up team of this contest.

SUBMISSIONS

Submission should be done through the EasyChair website at COMAD DataView 2016 EasyChair Website. Please find below additional information:

•	Submitting an Entry: Once you finish your work, you submit an Entry by uploading your original work product as an attachment and/or link to the Task. If you submit more than one entry then your latest entry will be considered
•	Language: All Entries must be in English unless otherwise specified in the Task description. Entries in any other language will not be considered unless otherwise specified. Entries that are lewd, obscene, pornographic, racist, sexist, or otherwise inappropriate will be disqualified

INTERACTION

Participants can clear their doubts and share their opinions about this Contest at the official Facebook page of DataView 2016