The Kickoff Brief (Project Proposal)

1. The Challenge

For the next 15 weeks, you will act as the Lead Designer for a digital product of your choosing. You will research it, structure it, design it, and test it.

However, you cannot design a solution until you define the problem. Your first task is to write the Kickoff Brief—the strategic "contract" that defines what you are building and for whom.

2. Choosing Your Topic (The "Access" Rule)

You may choose any problem space you like, but you must follow the Golden Rule of Access:

• Allowed: "An app for students who use the campus gym." (You can go to the gym and find them).

• Allowed: "A tool for local baristas." (You can go to a coffee shop).

• NOT Allowed: "An app for surgeons." (You cannot get access).

• NOT Allowed: "An app for my roommate." (Too small; you need strangers).

3. The Deliverable

Submit a 1-page PDF titled Lastname_Firstname_KickoffBrief.pdf.

It must include these 4 sections:

Section A: The Problem Space (The "Why")

Describe the issue you want to solve.

• Example: "Local dog parks are chaotic because owners don't know which dogs are currently there, leading to aggression issues."

Section B: The Target Audience (The "Who")

Who faces this problem? Be specific.

• Example: "Dog owners in the Arlington area who own reactive or anxious dogs."

• Feasibility Check: Add a sentence stating exactly where you will find 3 of these people to interview next week.

Section C: The Hypothesis (The "What")

Since you haven't done research yet, what is your assumption of the solution?

• Example: "A 'Check-In' app that shows a live capacity counter and 'temperament status' for the park before you leave home."

Section D: The "Anti-Scope" (The Boundaries)

To ensure you can finish this in 15 weeks, list 3 things you are NOT building.

• Example: "I am NOT building a payment system. I am NOT building the 'Park Ranger' admin view. I am NOT building a social feed."

4. Grading & Approval

This assignment is your "Green Light" to proceed.