Juniper - Public Facing Development and Progression

Date: 2025 09-September 17

The Juniper Project Public Roadmap

This plan outlines a strategy for launching Juniper as an open-source project, attracting a community of maintainers and contributors, and providing value to users in the shortest possible time. The timeline is broken into three phases: "The Quick Win," "Building a Community," and "Sustainable Growth."

Phase 1: The Quick Win (1-2 months)

Goal: Provide an immediate, tangible benefit to a user so they can see the project's potential and get started with a simple demo.

• GitHub:

  • Create a clean, well-documented repository. The main README.md should be a simple, compelling story: "Tired of old Ovation graphics? This project lets you use modern tools to build beautiful ones."

  • Focus on the 1_asset_extractor.py and 3_svg_renderer.js scripts first. These are the most user-friendly and visually appealing parts.

  • Include a pre-built example (assets/demo_boiler_area.json, assets/boiler_area.svg). A user should be able to clone the repo, open the HTML file, and immediately see a rendered plant graphic in their browser.

  • The 2_svg_to_ovation_translator.py should be present but in an early state. The README should clearly state its purpose and that it's a work in progress.

• YouTube:

  • Create a short, 90-second video. Start by showing a static Ovation diagram, then a transition to a dynamic, isometric view of the same graphic in a web browser using the project. Show how a single JSON file generates this rich output.

  • The title should be attention-grabbing: "Modernizing Ovation Graphics with a Python & D3.js Pipeline."

  • The video description should link directly to the GitHub repository.

• Ovation Users Group Website:

  • Write a short post introducing the project. Focus on the value proposition: "A new way to create sophisticated Ovation graphics."

  • Link to the GitHub repository and the YouTube video. Be transparent about the project's early stage.

Success Metrics: At least one user has successfully run the demo and posted a question or comment on a GitHub issue.

Phase 2: Building a Community (2-6 months)

Goal: Grow the project from a demo into a useful tool. This requires solidifying the core logic and making it easy for others to contribute.

• GitHub:

  • Solidify the Core: Use a PEP (Python Enhancement Proposal)-like process for new features. Create a JUNIPER-JEPs (Juniper Enhancement Proposals) folder in the repo. When a major new feature is proposed (e.g., "Add support for animated valves"), it should be documented in a JEP file, and the community can comment and provide feedback.

  • Improve the Python Translator: Prioritize a single, clear translation feature (e.g., transforming basic shapes and colors).

  • Write Tests: The README from the analysis document mentions a testing strategy. Implement this, showing that the core functions are reliable. This is critical for building trust.

  • Define Contribution Guidelines: Create a CONTRIBUTING.md file that clearly outlines how to set up the project locally, how to run tests, and how to submit a pull request.

• YouTube:

  • Create a longer, more detailed tutorial (5-10 minutes). Walk a user through the entire workflow, from a simple JSON file to a rendered SVG and the first-pass at a .src file.

  • Explain the role of each script and the value of the intermediate JSON format.

  • Release a "behind-the-scenes" video showing how a new feature is developed from a JEP, implemented in the code, and validated with a test.

• Ovation Users Group Website:

  • Post a new update on the project's progress. Highlight a specific, successful feature (e.g., "Juniper now translates tank levels!").

  • Actively engage in forum discussions, answering questions and soliciting feedback on new feature ideas.

Success Metrics: Several users have contributed code or documentation via pull requests.

Phase 3: Sustainable Growth (6+ months)

Goal: Turn the project into a self-sustaining tool with a community of dedicated maintainers.

• GitHub:

  • Rolling Goal Setting: As a maintainer, you'll be responsible for setting the project's direction. Use a "rolling" goal-setting process. At the start of each month, select the top 3-5 JEPs to focus on. Close out old JEPs and move completed features to the main codebase.

  • Improve Extensibility: Break the project into modular components. For example, the 1_asset_extractor could become a package that supports different formats as plugins.

  • Attract Maintainers: Identify and actively mentor contributors who have consistently provided valuable pull requests. Officially invite them to become project maintainers, giving them more autonomy and ownership.

• YouTube:

  • Create a "Juniper in Action" series, showcasing real-world examples of how users are applying the project. This inspires new users and shows the project's long-term value.

  • Feature interviews with key contributors to recognize their efforts and highlight their expertise.

• Ovation Users Group Website:

  • Continue to provide regular updates and link to new features.

  • Start a new discussion thread or sub-forum dedicated solely to the Juniper project, allowing the community to support one another and share their work.

Success Metrics: The project has multiple active maintainers, and new features are being developed and implemented by the community with minimal intervention from the original creator.