Workshop 1: Project Ideation

Workshop Objective

In this workshop, you will be grouped with others to brainstorm potential project ideas. These groups are intended only for this exercise, but if you'd like to team up with people afterward, you are encouraged to do so (no more than 4 per team).

By the end of this workshop, you should have a clear project idea that meets the technical requirements of the Learn and Be Curious unit and aligns with your interests and skill level.

Schedule Workshop

Book a live Workshop session with an instructor.

Schedule Now

What is a Workshop?

Workshops (like Code-Alongs) are live sessions 50 minutes in length designed to offer feedback and insights into your work and are offered seven days a week in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Because Workshops focus on building on what you already have, you will need to come to class prepared to have the best experience.

Project Requirements and Constraints

Before you start brainstorming, it's important to understand the technical requirements for your project:

  • Frontend: You'll need to create a website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Backend: Your application must include a backend with API Gateway and Lambda functions
  • Database: You must use DynamoDB to store your application data
  • Timeframe: Your project should be completable within two weeks
  • Scope: Start simple and plan for extensions if time permits

When considering project ideas, focus on something that:

  • You're personally interested in and motivated to build
  • Has clear use cases that can be translated into API endpoints
  • Involves data that can be effectively stored in DynamoDB
  • Is complex enough to learn from but simple enough to complete

Project Ideation Strategies

Here are some strategies to help you generate project ideas:

1. Identify Problems to Solve

  • What frustrates you in your daily life?
  • What tools would make your life easier?
  • Are there any inefficiencies in processes you regularly use?

2. Create a "For Purpose" Application

  • Educational resources
  • Environmental tracking
  • Community support
  • Health and wellness

3. Build Something Fun

  • Games with leaderboards
  • Interactive experiences
  • Hobby trackers
  • Entertainment recommendation systems

Workshop Activities

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

    Brief overview of the workshop objectives and requirements

  2. Project Requirement Review (10 minutes)

    Discussion of technical requirements and constraints

  3. Brainstorming Session (15 minutes)

    Generate ideas individually or in small groups

  4. Idea Presentations (15 minutes)

    Share ideas with the larger group for feedback

  5. Refinement and Next Steps (5 minutes)

    Refine your chosen idea and discuss next steps

Tips for Successful Brainstorming

  • Start broad, then narrow: Begin with general ideas, then refine them
  • Prioritize feasibility: Consider what can realistically be implemented in two weeks
  • Consider technical requirements: Make sure your idea leverages the required technologies
  • Be open to feedback: Use instructor and peer feedback to improve your concept
  • Document everything: Take notes on all ideas, even ones you don't immediately pursue