Capstone Project Ideas for IT Students

Summary

In this video, Mark Fermill offers valuable tips for IT and CS students on proposing a capstone project. He discusses the four main types of projects that are likely to be accepted: management systems, games, mobile apps, and systems with mobile app versions. He emphasizes the importance of considering project scope, time, cost, and consulting advisors about project expectations. Mark also shares practical ideas, such as creating apps to solve personal transportation problems. By evaluating project constraints, students can create feasible and high-quality capstone proposals. He concludes by encouraging viewers to stay tuned for more tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's important to think from the perspective of your capstone project panelists when proposing an idea, as their approval will depend on whether it aligns with their expectations.
• 😀 The four types of projects most likely to be accepted for a capstone project include management systems, 3D games, mobile apps, and those that integrate both PC and mobile platforms.
• 😀 Management systems, like inventory, school management, and order tracking systems, are common types of capstone projects that are often approved.
• 😀 For game proposals, 3D games are favored over 2D ones, and the game should have a clear story, goal, and a monetization strategy.
• 😀 When proposing a mobile app, think about real-life problems that could be solved, like tracking buses or alerting you when you are near your destination.
• 😀 Some management systems require a mobile app version, so it’s crucial to clarify this with your advisor before finalizing your proposal.
• 😀 The Project Scope Triangle (Time, Cost, and Scope) helps balance the project’s quality by determining which constraints are fixed and which ones can be adjusted.
• 😀 Time is the most rigid constraint in a capstone project, so it's essential to plan for a project that can be completed within the given time frame, typically one semester.
• 😀 If time is fixed, you can either reduce the scope of your project or adjust the cost (e.g., by increasing or reducing the number of people or resources involved).
• 😀 Before starting your project, evaluate the variables like project timeline, group size, and scope to ensure realistic planning and achievable deliverables.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on helping IT and CS students come up with a capstone project idea, providing tips and suggestions to ensure their project gets approved.

Who is the target audience for this video?

The target audience is primarily IT, CS, and computer-related degree students. The content may not be as useful for students from non-computer-related fields.

What are the four types of projects likely to be accepted for capstone?

The four types of projects that have a high chance of being accepted are management systems, 3D games, mobile apps, and systems that include both PC and mobile versions.

Can a unique or big idea guarantee approval for a capstone project?

No, having a unique or big idea doesn't guarantee approval. Approval depends on the panel's decision, so it’s important to align the idea with common project types that are likely to be accepted.

What is an example of a management system project?

An example of a management system project is an inventory management system, which monitors the stock of products in a store or business, such as a grocery store.

Why are 2D games less likely to be accepted in capstone proposals?

2D games are less likely to be accepted because the expectation for capstone projects is that games should be in 3D, and they should have a clear story, goal, and rewarding system.

What is a unique app idea suggested by the speaker?

The speaker suggests an app that can notify users if they are close to their destination while traveling, such as vibrating when the user is five minutes away from their stop.

Why is it important to consult with advisors about a project's scope?

Consulting with advisors about the project’s scope is crucial because they may require additional components, such as a mobile app version for a system that was originally planned for PC only.

What is the Project Scope Triangle, and why is it important?

The Project Scope Triangle represents the three main constraints of a project: time, cost, and scope. Understanding these constraints helps students balance their project’s quality with the limitations they face, particularly the fixed time constraint.

How should a student adjust their project if time is fixed?

If time is fixed, the student should adjust the other two constraints—cost and scope. This may involve either increasing the budget or reducing the scope (e.g., cutting some functionalities) to meet the deadline.

What are some of the costs students need to consider in their capstone project?

Costs include equipment, the number of people in the group, and the level of expertise in the required programming languages or other skills needed for the project.

Why is it important to evaluate the scope of your project before starting?

Evaluating the scope is important to ensure that all deliverables are achievable within the given time and resources. It also helps in identifying the priorities and the functionalities that must be completed for a successful project.