Description

Big data is one of the most sought after topics in the field of information technology. Nevertheless, the majority in this field are unaware of the concepts relating to ‘Big Data’. Amidst this situation, Atelier 2k16 took a huge leap forward by conducting the first ever workshop series in the country on Big Data together with a newly trending topic of ‘Design Thinking’. The workshop series was conducted by Professor Jennifer Widom from Stanford University, one of the most renowned personal in the par mentioned fields. If was held in Colombo and Kandy consecutively. Participants were able to increase their technological awareness in the field of big data and their creativity with design thinking and were provided with a networking opportunity with technological innovators and entrepreneurs in the country. The series of workshops were coordinated by Ms. Dilrukshi Gamage and its success is accounted to the vast array of volunteers, from all across the country, who worked night and day to ensure the smooth flow of this event. In the evening of August 24th, a small gathering and an interactive session for undergraduates of IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) affinity group was carried out so as to create a platform for the women in technology to build a conversation on the roles, qualities, qualifications, responsibilities they were needed to compete in the industrial level. This was followed by an overview of Big Data. In the following two days, 25th and 26th of August 2016, comprehensive sessions on Big Data were conducted at the premises of SLIIT, in the BOC Merchant Tower, Colombo with the participation of undergraduates and industrialists from all across the country. The Design Thinking workshop, which emphasized the areas of user experience in the computer software, was held on August 27th at the premises of WSO2 with 30 enthusiastic participants. Moving away from the financial capital on August 29th and 30th, Design Thinking and Big Data workshops were held in the premises of University of Peradeniya, Kandy. This expanded the access to many undergraduates and industrialists who are away from the capital.