Starting a side project can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to planning. However, with an effective planning system, you can eliminate the confusion and streamline the development process. Here are five steps to help you plan your side project efficiently:
Discover an Idea:
- Finding the right idea might seem challenging, especially for beginners. However, don’t be too hard on yourself. The internet is brimming with inspiration. You can explore existing projects online, tweak them, or unleash your creativity for a unique approach. For projects with available tutorials or code, challenge yourself to complete the project independently first before adding your distinctive features. Once you’ve settled on an idea, jot down a brief description and proceed to the next step.
Choose Your Technology:
- Identify the technology, programming language, and frameworks required for your project. A quick online search and a bit of research should provide clarity on the best tools for your endeavor. Don’t worry about mastering everything at this stage. Once you’ve decided on the technology stack, move on to the next phase without revisiting this decision.
Outline Essential Features:
- Familiarize yourself with the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — the essential features your app or product needs to fulfill its core function. For instance, if you’re creating a Food Recipe app, a fundamental feature would be the ability to add foods to a list. List all the indispensable features without adding unnecessary embellishments.
Research Implementation Strategies:
- Conduct research on how to bring your outlined features to life. Depending on your coding expertise, this step may vary in complexity. Utilize online resources to understand the implementation of each feature. Continuing with the Food Recipe app example, you’d explore how to implement the feature of adding foods to a list using your chosen technology. Make concise notes without delving into actual code writing.
Create a Task Timeline:
- With a clear plan in place, organize a timeline for your tasks. Divide the project into manageable weekly goals. For example, allocate the first two weeks to feature implementation and dedicate the third week to deployment. This timeline provides a structured approach to executing your plan.
As you complete the initial version of your side project, continue enhancing it by adding more features. Remember, the MVP features are just the starting point. Outstanding projects evolve with the addition of bonus features, user feedback, and ongoing improvements. Share your side project, gather insights, and enjoy the process of continual refinement. Best of luck!
