
Typical Semester Timeline
While Capstone Design Programs may differ slightly by department, a typical semester entails:
Week 1: Show up to class; review the descriptions of available projects; specify top five project preferences; get assigned to a team and project.
Week 2: Attend Project Kick-Off to meet with team and project sponsor; arrange initial site visit.
Weeks 2-4: Make initial site visit; refine project requirements and deliverables; start brainstorming solutions.
Weeks 5-6: Prepare Statement of Work; review with instructor; revise and submit to sponsor.
Weeks 7-9: Continuing working on project, including gathering data, CAD modeling, prototyping, analysis, etc.
Weeks 10-11: Prepare Detailed Specification Report; review with instructor; revise and submit to sponsor.
Weeks 11-12: Prepare and present alpha prototypes for review.
Weeks 12-14: Continue working on project, including design for manufacturing, fabrication, testing, validation, etc.
Weeks 14-15: Wrap up project; prepare final report, poster, and summary; attend Design Showcase.