The capstone project is a major milestone in your UX/UI Design Bootcamp and an opportunity to showcase your skills as you transition from student to designer. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your capstone.
Capstone Overview:
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Project Type: Solo project with an individually sourced sponsor
Throughout the capstone, you’ll work independently on a professional-level UX/UI project that addresses a real-world problem. This immersive experience allows you to collaborate with an actual client, applying your skills to conceptualize, design, and prototype an innovative digital solution that meets both user needs and client expectatio
Capstone Deliverables:
Your capstone project will involve creating several key deliverables that showcase your UX/UI design abilities. These include:
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User Research:
- Conduct user research to understand the needs, behaviors, and challenges of your target audience. This may include interviews, surveys, or usability testing to ensure your design decisions are user-centered.
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Wireframes & Prototypes:
- Develop wireframes and interactive prototypes that outline the structure and functionality of your digital product. These deliverables demonstrate your ability to create user-friendly interfaces.
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User Interface (UI) Design:
- Create the visual design elements for your project, including color schemes, typography, and layout. This ensures that your design is both functional and visually appealing.
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Design System:
- Develop a design system that provides guidelines, components, and styles for consistent and scalable design across the product.
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Capstone Presentation for Demo Day:
- Prepare a presentation for Demo Day, where you will showcase your capstone project to an audience of peers, mentors, and industry professionals. This is your chance to highlight the design process, key decisions, and final outcomes of your project.
Capstone Development Process:
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Engage with Your Client:
- Once you’ve secured a sponsor, initiate the capstone project by engaging with your client. Collaboratively define the project's goals, objectives, and requirements, ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of the expectations.
- Establish an initial, recurring schedule for check in's to facilitate updates and track progress throughout the project.
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Project Execution:
- During the 6-week capstone period, you’ll work independently to complete the required deliverables. You’ll have regular check-ins with your instructional staff to receive feedback and ensure you’re progressing as planned.
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Communication and Coordination:
- Clear and consistent communication with your client is key to success. Keep your sponsor informed of progress, share prototypes and feedback, and ensure the project aligns with their needs and objectives.
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Staying on Schedule:
- Time management is critical during the capstone phase. Create a detailed project timeline with key milestones, ensuring that each deliverable is completed on time. You will need to manage your time effectively to ensure a successful completion before Demo Day.
At the end of your capstone, you’ll present your project during Demo Day, held in the final week of your bootcamp. This is your opportunity to showcase your work to an audience of peers, instructors, and potential industry professionals, demonstrating all you’ve learned throughout your 24 week bootcamp.
Have questions? Be sure to ask your instructional staff for guidance and support as you navigate your capstone project.