Project Timeline

Spring 2008	Capstone Kick-off Meeting To introduce the capstone goals, timetable, themes, and instructors for the 2009 Capstone.
Timeframe	Activity
Summer 2008	Begin to Brainstorm Possible Capstone Projects Begin to think about what sort of capstone orientation you might wish to pursue. Brainstorm some possible projects –- perhaps 5-6 different sorts of projects or questions here. Think about who you might wish to work with and begin some informal discussions. Identify a client that will collaborate with you.
Autumn 2008	INFO 470 and INFO 440 Take INFO 470 and INFO 440 if you have not already done so. In the context of these courses, solidify the capstone orientation you would like to pursue. Refine Ideas for your Capstone Project Narrow down your choice of possible capstone projects to 2 or 3, and settle on a team. Most capstone projects will have teams of 3-4 students. Firm up your client’s willingness to participate. Suggested Preliminary Discussion (Optional) As you begin to formulate your capstone project, we suggest you chat informally about your ideas with one of the instructors of the capstone course. This is a good time to get feedback on the scope of your proposed project, etc.
Mid Oct, 2008	Capstone Discussion Meeting To introduce and discuss your capstone ideas.
Oct 29, 2008	Statement of Intention A "statement of intention" describing the capstone project you intend to pursue must be submitted to `informatics@u.washington.edu` no later than 5 P.M. on Oct 29, 2008. The subject of the email must be "Capstone 2009: Statement of Intention". The capstone instructors will use your statement of intention to assign your team to either the Winter or Spring quarter. Project Code Name. This is a memorable word or short phrase denoting your project. Project Title. As your work develops over the quarter, this is likely to change. List of Team Members. Please include names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Preferred Quarter. State your preferred quarter to complete the capstone. Please justify your choice by addressing these and similar questions: Have each of your team members completed all the prerequisite courses? Do you wish to work on a project within the Environmental Sustainability theme? Do any of your team members have requirements to graduate in the Winter quarter? Do you have an interest in working with a particular instructor? Abstract (a 1-2 paragraph description of the proposed capstone project). The abstract should explain (a) What the problem is, (b) Why it matters, and (c) How you will solve the problem. To answer these key questions, you should consider such questions as: (a) Who are the clients and stakeholders, (b) How will you engage them, (c) What data will you use or collect, (d) How will you define the scope of your project so it is neither too narrow nor too broad, (f) If you plan to build a system, what tools will you use, and (e) How will you assess the outcome of your project. Different capstones may emphasize these elements to different extents. Plan of Work (1 paragraph). Describe the research/design methods that you plan to use. You might, for example, plan to create a questionnaire, interview people, create a conceptual database model, implement a prototype, and evaluate it. Or you might create a survey, pilot the survey on a small group, revise it, deploy it on a large scale, analyze the results, and draw conclusions. Use this section to describe your approach. Related Work. Using a consistent style, list 2 – 3 key papers, books, or authoritative web resources related to your project. These references will help set an intellectual foundation for your project. Resources. List any special software, hardware or other resources that you need in order to complete your project (the school may be able to acquire these resources for you). Intellectual Property Issues. If you have questions or concerns about IP, use this section to raise them. Client Information. If you will be working with a client, include the client’s contact information. Letter of Support from Client. If you will be working with a client, attach a brief letter from the client stating his or her intention to be accessible to and work with you during the quarter of the capstone.
Nov 12, 2008	Capstone Assignments Announced Your capstone quarter, either Winter or Spring, will be announced.
Nov 13, 2008	Register for Winter 2009 Capstone Course (INFO 490 - 8 credits) If you have been assigned to the Winter capstone and your statement of intent has been approved register for the winter capstone course now. Student services will send you an add code.
Winter 2009	Capstone Course Begins (INFO 490 - 8 credits)
Winter 2009	Completion of Capstone Project and Archival Copy Written documentation of the capstone project, as specified by the course instructor, must be completed. The exact due date will be determined by the course instructor. In addition to any copies provided to the course instructor, an archival copy of all written portions of your capstone project must be provided to the Chair of Undergraduate Programs at the Information School. Students in the winter capstone will be encouraged to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Feb 13, 2009	Register for Spring 2009 Capstone Course (INFO 490 - 8 credits) If you have been assigned to the Spring capstone, register for the capstone course now.
Spring 2009	Capstone Course Begins (INFO 490 - 8 credits)
Spring 2009	Completion of Capstone Project and Archival Copy Written documentation of the capstone project, as specified by the course instructor, must be completed. The exact due date will be determined by the course instructor. In addition to any copies provided to the course instructor, an archival copy of all written portions of your capstone project must be provided to the Chair of Undergraduate Programs at the Information School.
Spring 2009	Annual iSchool Capstone Event In the Spring 2009, each student or team of students will have an opportunity to present their capstone project to the Information School and larger University of Washington community.