3.1 - Planning & Designing Digital Projects
The importance of planning a project
Planning is a crucial first step in any project. When planning, you need to consider how you will collect and present your data.
Key questions to ask before starting
Questions to guide your project planning
- Where can I find the information I need? - Reliable sources include the internet, books, and newspaper articles. You might also need to collect your own data through surveys or experiments to fill any gaps.
- How will I know the information is trustworthy? - Not all sources are accurate, so cross-check facts using multiple sources. This verifies the details and reduces the risk of including false information.
- How will I present the information? - Choose a format that suits your audience, such as posters, presentations, or websites. Select appropriate software, for example, a word processor for reports, presentation software for slideshows, or web-design software for online pages.
Using mind maps as a planning tool
A mind map is a useful tool for planning. It helps organise ideas around a central topic, making it easier to plan projects.
Example - Mind map for a project on the history of computing
Imagine planning a project on the history of computing. The mind map could look like this, with the central topic connected to key questions and details:
| Central topic | Main branches (questions) | Sub-branches (details) |
|---|---|---|
| History of computing | How have computers changed? | Power; Size; Cost; Connectivity |
| Who is important in computing? | 1800s: Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace; 1900s: Alan Turing, Grace Hopper |
This structure shows how the main topic branches into questions, with specific examples added. For instance, the branch on important people includes key figures, while timeline labels connect historical periods. Using a mind map like this helps identify research areas, such as exploring how computer size has decreased over time.
Planning and sharing tasks in group projects
When working on a project in a group, planning together ensures everyone contributes fairly and the work is divided effectively. Tasks should be shared out so that everyone contributes to the project. For instance, in a group project on the history of computers, each member could take one question from the mind map, such as researching important figures or changes in technology.