🖥️ Week 07 Lecture

MP2 launch: methodology first, then technical setup

Author

Dr Jon Cardoso-Silva

Published

19 March 2026

🥅 Learning Goals

By the end of this lecture, you should be able to: i) draft a complete methodology proposal for MP2 in NB01, ii) evaluate a peer’s proposal using Scope and Confidence judgement, iii) run your first TfL Journey API request safely, iv) explain how json_normalize() reshapes nested JSON using key parameters.

📍 Logistics

📍Location: Thursday, 5 March 2026, 4-6 pm at CKK.LG.03

Today we facilitate your start of ✍️ Mini-Project 2. In Hour 1, you produce a clear methodology proposal in NB01 and test your idea with your classmates. In Hour 2, we switch to technical setup so everyone leaves with a safe first TfL API request and a clear map of how json_normalize() reshapes nested JSON.

📋 Preparation

Read the ✍️ Mini-Project 2 brief

🗣️ Lecture Overview

Part 1: Methodology First (55 min)

Review the quality criteria that define a strong DS105 methodology
Draft a complete proposal in NB01 that you can use in your report
Judge a peer’s proposal and submit your Scope and Confidence rating via Mentimeter

BREAK (10 min)

Part 2: Technical Setup and JSON Shape Thinking (55 min)

Set up your TfL API key safely (.env and request headers)
Send a low-risk Journey API request
Learn what json_normalize() does and how key parameters reshape nested JSON

📓 Lecture Materials

Today we use facilitation slides plus two notebooks. The slides manage timing and transitions, and the notebooks hold the work you will keep building for MP2.

🎬 Facilitation Slides

Use keyboard arrows to navigate. Select the slides below or view fullscreen.

Or download the slides directly as a PDF:

🔖 Appendix

Useful Links

Looking Ahead

Friday W07 Lab: first collection and first normalisation pass
Week 08: Reshaping and merging with ONS Postcode Directory, build NB02
Week 09: EDA quality checks and visual communication critique
Week 10: MP2 submission deadline