Basic Details

This part of the manual provides guidance and resources on the Prototype Brief project, due on February 22 for 4 points. You are tasked with creating an invention or enhancing an existing product to then describe in a technical brief for the development teams and stakeholders.

What to Do

Come up with a new invention or significant improvement/variation to existing products. Then, write the descriptive brief that pitches and explains your new invention. Use the templates in Canvas to get started.

Watch my speedbuild video if you are stuck–but remember that this project varies based on your invention type, field, and development cycle. The consistent element is the technical brief that needs to describe the audience, features, components, and uses of your product so developers understand what they are building and stakeholders know what they are funding.

Step 1: Unleash Your Creativity

• Brainstorming Bonanza: This is your chance to dream big! Think about everyday problems or inconveniences you encounter. Is there a product that could make life easier, more fun, or more efficient? Don’t censor yourself at this stage – let the ideas flow freely.
• Narrow it Down: Once you have a list of potential ideas, start evaluating them. Which ones are truly original? Which ones solve a real problem for a specific audience? Choose the idea that excites you the most and has the most potential.

Step 2: Craft Your Vision

• Product Overview: Write a clear and concise description of your product. What is it? What does it do? Who is it for?
• Key Features and Functionality: Highlight the core features that make your product unique. Explain how they work and how they benefit the user.
• Technical Specifications: Get specific! If it’s a physical product, describe its dimensions, materials, and any relevant technical details. If it’s digital, outline the software requirements, coding languages, or user experience considerations.
• Prototype Visuals: Bring your idea to life with sketches, diagrams, or images. These don’t have to be masterpieces, but they should clearly convey the product’s form and function.

Step 3: Polish and Present

• Review and Revise: Read through your specification sheet carefully. Is it clear, concise, and well-organized? Does it effectively communicate your product’s potential? Make any necessary revisions to ensure it’s polished and professional.
• Format for Impact: Pay attention to the visual presentation of your document. Use headings, bullet points, and images to make it easy to read and understand.

Step 4: Reflect and Submit

• Write Your Memo: Take some time to reflect on your creative process. How did you come up with your idea? What challenges did you encounter? How might the skills you developed in this project be useful in your future career?
• Compile Your Submission: Combine your specification sheet and reflective memo into a single PDF document.

Helpful Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box: The most innovative products often come from unexpected ideas.
• Do your research: If you’re unsure about technical specifications, do some research or consult with experts in your field.
• Get feedback: Share your ideas with friends, family, or classmates and get their feedback.

Remember:

• This is a creative exercise: Have fun with it! Let your imagination run wild and explore the possibilities.
• Focus on clarity and conciseness: Your specification sheet should be easy to understand, even for someone who’s not familiar with your field.
• Reflect on your learning: The memo is an opportunity to showcase your growth and development.

*Task content generated using Google Gemini Pro with a Gem trained to “act as a technical writer mentoring students in an introductory course. Every prompt should relate to STEM, medical, and business fields.” The Gem was prompted: Write a how-to guide that helps students complete this assignment. Break it down into potential steps they can complete for when they get stuck. Provide helpful tips and encouragement. The tone should be patient and supportive.” 10/1/2024