You Need a Plan for Your Project

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Project
Creating a detailed project plan helps you and the Makerspace team by ensuring:

Write Your Plan on Paper

Grab a pen or pencil and sketch out your ideas so everything is clear and easy to follow.

In adults, taking notes by hand during a lecture, instead of typing, can lead to better conceptual understanding of material.
–NPR

Project Scale & Storage
How big will your finished project be? Where will you store it if needed?
Materials
List everything you’ll need—paint, wood, fabric, embellishments, findings, hardware, etc.
Tools
Note which tools you can use and which are essential. (Pro tip: the tool you’re rushing to use is often the one that gives you trouble—plan ahead!)
Schedule
Be realistic about your time. Everyone has crunch times (like finals), so make sure you can set aside enough work sessions.
Order of Steps
Plan what needs to happen first. Don’t forget about drying times for paint or glue, or prep steps like engraving wood before assembly.
Defining Success
How will you know your project worked? Decide what “success” looks like—does it function, look, or perform the way you need?

Race against the clock to dream up, design, and build a one-of-a-kind creation using everyday materials.

3pts – Function:
- 1pt – Holds the phone steady regardless of case or pop-socket
- 1pt – Holds vertically and horizontally
- 1pt – Holds at an angle
1pt – Originality and flair: Elegance, beauty, fun, quirkiness
1pt – Relationship to plan