What is the goal of the first course, Capstone Design Proposal?
In the first quarter, you will create a detailed proposal that
explains your design, gives a schedule that shows how and when you
will implement the design, and computes the cost of the design. At
the end of the quarter you will give a formal presentation to the
class describing your design. You will also order as many parts as
possible.
What is the goal of the second course, Capstone Design?
In the second quarter you will receive the parts you ordered, build
and test each component, integrate the components, test the overall
design, and then give a formal presentation and demonstration to the
class. The presentations will be judged by a team of practicing
engineers.
Where can I get a copy of the syllabus?
Here
Where and when do we meet for class?
At the beginning of the quarter, you will meet in your regular classroom
with the entire class. After that, you will meet with your Capstone instructor
every week. The location of these group meetings will be determined later.
What should I do during the first weeks of class?
During the first weeks of class, you should form a group, pick a group
leader, and come up with a rough idea for a design project. Your
group leader should send email to meleis@ece.neu.edu before the third
class indicating the title of
your project, and the names and email addresses of students in your group.
What makes a good group?
Your group should have between 5-6 students. Successful groups
usually include students with a range of backgrounds, for example
students with both applied and theoretical backgrounds, students from
both computer engineering and electrical engineering, etc.
What makes a good group leader?
Your group leader is the main point of contact between your group and
your instructor. The group leader is in charge of scheduling
meetings, making sure all group members know when and where they need
to be, and letting the instructor know about the group's progress and
any problems. The group leader is also the main contact person for
the instructor. The group leader for the proposal phase (i.e. the
first quarter) can be different from the leader for the design phase.
What should the group leader do during the third week of class?
After the second class, the group leader should figure out all time
slots during the week when all group members are free. Send these
slots to your instructor who will pick one.
I haven't been able to find a group to join, what should I do?
During the first and second classes, talk to students about project
ideas and see if you can find a good match. If you haven't found a
group by the end of the second class, talk to one of the instructors.
What makes a good project?
A good project is one that:
What have people designed in the past?
Past computer projects have included:
What makes a project difficult to complete in two quarters?
Students typically get stuck because they have trouble getting the
parts they need, or because they have trouble integrating complex
components. It's important that your design be based on parts that
you can actually get, either for free or using your Capstone budget.
Also, try to limit the number of different components that have to
work together since this is usually the most difficult part of the
project. If you have a great idea and a clever design, you will still
be penalized at the end if your prototype doesn't work.
My group isn't sure what our project should be, what should we do?
Discuss your ideas with one another, and then talk to your instructor.
It's important that you come up with a design that you can complete in
two quarters, and your instructors have experience with problems you
might encounter.
Where can I get ideas for projects?
Project ideas usually come from:
- Personal experience: what would you find useful in your everyday
life?
- Coop: what would your coop employer find useful?
- Classes: get ideas from class projects.
What happens during the quarter?
Once you've formed a group and selected a project, you will meet with
the instructor once per week at a regular time. At that meeting you
will describe the progress you've made over the past week, and discuss
any problems you've encountered.
Where is the Capstone Lab?
The lab is next to the engineering labs in the basement of Haydn Hall.
Ask your instructor for the code to the door.
When can my group use the Capstone Lab?
The Capstone Lab will be extremely crowded this quarter as the design
students complete their projects. As a result, during the Capstone
Proposal class your group should not use the Capstone Lab.
Where do we get the equipment and parts we need?
You can get equipment the following ways:
Is there financial support for projects?
Yes, we will reimburse you for purchases you make to complete your
project. The maximum amount we can spend per group will depend on how
much money all the groups need. Each group can definitely request up
to $500, and more money might also be available.
How do I get reimbursed for purchases?
Buy the equipment yourself and keep the original receipts. At the end
of the spring quarter 2004, we will give you instructions about how to
get reimbursed. There will be no reimbursements before the end of
spring quarter.
Can we leave equipment in the Capstone Lab?
Student in ECE 1504 can use available lab space in the Capstone Lab
while designing their projects. However any valuable equipment that
you would not want to disappear should not be left in the lab. You
should store your equipment in one of the lockers. Your instructor
will assign you a locker.
What are the proposal presentations? When are they?
At the end of first quarter, each group will present their proposal to
the class. The presentations are approximately 10 minutes long and
should use some presentation software like Powerpoint. Each group
member should speak during the presentation. You should dress nicely,
but formal clothing isn't necessary.
How will the proposals be evaluated?
You should imagine that you are writing a proposal asking for funds to
support your project. The funding agency must be convinced that your
project meets a real need, that you can actually build it, and that
the cost makes sense. Your written and oral proposals will be
evaluated on the degree to which it would convince a funding agency to
commit funds to the project.
Is there also a written proposal?
Yes, you will also turn in a written proposal that:
How will we prepare for the oral presentations?
Your group will give a practice talk to your instructor before giving
the final proposal presentation. You will get detailed feedback and
suggestions.
What is the design competition? When is it?
A the end of the second quarter, each group will present their design
and give a demonstration for a team practicing engineers and faculty
members. The presentations are approximately 15 minutes long and
should use some presentation software like Powerpoint. Most people
dress formally for their presentations (i.e. jackets and ties, or the
equivalent).
How will the final projects be judged?
The best projects have the following three characteristics: 1) they
solve a real problem, 2) the are well designed, and 3) there is a
working prototype. Projects without a working protype do not win.
You should expect the judges to ask hard questions about your concept,
design, and prototype.
What do the winners receive?
The groups whose projects are judged to be the best receive prizes
ranging from $100-$1000.