Challenging a student to design something as a part of a senior project will force her to use a variety of the skills and knowledge gained in school for the assignment. Students will need to invoke creativity and their imagination, as well as practical knowledge and information to design something successfully. Instruct students to use their own interests, hobbies and lives as inspiration, which will likewise make the task more enjoyable. Students can also reference the design project in college interviews as a way to promote their abilities.
Website
For a student who plans to go into the communications, graphic design or website design industry, designing a website for her senior project will be a learning experience as well as a way of beginning to build her professional resume. The website can take on a variety of themes, such as a website for the graduating class, a website that promotes the student as a designer, or a personal website dedicated to the designer. You can determine the success of the project by the use of software design programs, such as Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver, the overall layout of the site, keyword optimization and how easily navigated the site is.
Interior Design
A design project that focuses on interior designing can be both fun as well as challenging. Choose an area to makeover, such as a school cafeteria or lounge area. Draw plans and pictures to illustrate the plans you have for the space, or create these plans with design software programs on the computer. Choose furniture and wall colors for the space as well as any accessories or decor items. Keep a price list for everything you plan to use and round out the project with a fund-raising plan to fuel the design project.
Class
Choose a class not currently offered at your school and design a lesson plan for the fictional class. For a student who is considering pursuing a career in education, this project could provide insight into a career of teaching. Subjects could include graphic design, journalism, Chinese language or even an engineering class. Interview teachers to develop an understanding of a well-rounded lesson plan and teaching methods. Design a syllabus for the class for the project.
Invention
Design a simple device or object that will positively impact the life of the average student. This project could include anything from a device or accessory that holds your keys while you work out at the gym, a strap that can help a backpack sit more comfortably on your shoulders or a pouch that clips inside your backpack or purse that keeps your phone separate and easily accessible. Detail the design process for the device as well as the materials used in its construction for the project.
