Tikara

Every major change usually goes in action after multiple individuals or groups cast a vote. Proof can be brought in the form of a presentation, speech or debate, that is delivered in a fixed amount of time. In this regard, Tikara comes as a practical timer for enthusiasts that want to simulate Model UN sessions, in the hope of building a better future.

Even before the start you notice that one step is missing, namely the installation process. This is because of some good programming, and as a result can be carried around on an USB Flash drive, while also keeping registries safe. However, you need to make sure the PC you run it on is fitted with Java Runtime Environment.

In terms of visual design, the application isn’t equipped with any fancy elements, but rather keeping everything simple and organized, which makes for quick accommodation. Different areas can be accessed through tabs, such as settings up, quorum, formal debate, caucus, unmoderated caucus, as well as voting. Content occupies the rest of the space, and is easy to grasp and manage.

The application is built on the Model United Nations simulation, and lets you create councils using both UN and non-UN member countries. One or more councils need to be created before the start, and each to be fitted with at least a country, which is selected from a list.

You’re free to view and modify the list of UN members, as well as representatives, which is empty by default, but not mandatory for the process. Just so votes can be cast, a quorum needs to be set up. It’s easily done by writing down a name, and then selecting the countries you want to participate in voting.

With all elements set up, you’re free to start simulating debates and caucus. Little effort is required on your behalf, with the application helping to keep time, and build a list of results. As soon as you write a topic and hit the Start button, the number of minutes you set for a session starts the countdown, and the next participant is announced.

Sadly, there aren’t any kind of alerts for any of the timed activities, or anything else for that matter. This means you have to keep an eye on the time to know when to stop a debate. Voting is done from the same console, with options to view results afterwards, but no way to print them or save to file.

To sum it up, Tikara is a combination between a countdown timer and small database and contacts management, in an attempt to be of help in MUN simulations. Simplicity gets you quickly up and running, while portability make sure you can run it wherever you go, making for an application worth a try overall.