Group Actions
Engagement
  • Author Author: therepairatrooper
  • Date Created: Date Created
  • Views 3060 views
  • Likes 9 likes
  • Comments 12 comments
Related
Recommended

When is a project finished?

therepairatrooper

I am asking myself this question because at this point, I have a working prototype but in that process I have also come to some conclusions.

 

In terms of finished, I have completed the window frame, connected my security camera and demonstrated the project working. Based on the conclusions below, this particular project is completed but opens doors for a more advanced project.

 

In reaching this end point, the following conclusions have become apparent:

 

1. That in order to appear natural, a much higher resolution source is required, which would also require a 4K monitor and a PI able to drive it.

2. A 32" TV is too small to be a convincing window, unless it was in perhaps a small prison cell

3. This concept has merit beyond creating a fake window. Windows with embedded lcd films in them could be used to provide someone on the 24th floor of a tower with a view of a park, rather than another building.

  • 4 thresholds = done :

    • nothing significant left to learn
    • potential satisfaction from further progress is insignificant
    • the result of progress has no use
    • nobody else is interested

     

    4 thresholds = pause :

    • cost of progress is higher than can be justified or higher than other desirable projects
    • too busy with other higher value projects
    • it interferes with my team sports schedule
    • "somebody" needs me for something else

     

    8 thresholds = keep going :

    • it is fun
    • it is interesting
    • it is educational
    • it is useful
    • it creates respect
    • it is a commitment
    • "somebody" would be pleased
    • bull-headed stubbornness
  • in reply to Jan Cumps

    (

    You can see this on the electronic load. My goal was to provide a programmable front end to an existing analog load and to learn delivering a professional API for automation.

    And show off skills to build good PCB designs.

    Whenever there was something related to the analog part , the DACs or ADCs, I never made a design decision. I asked or . Every time.

    Whenever there was something related to automating it, I made my own decisions (sometimes - not always: Peter talked me out of implementing the feedback loop in software -  neglecting the two afford-mentioned individuals image ).

    The automated part is still the only corner I design actively.

    )

  • (not talking for my professional life. Paycheck blurs the border):

    my projects are finished;

    • When I can't be bothered searching for them when I have an improvement idea.
    • When I don't come up with improvements.
    • When turning on the soldering iron feels like homework
    • When broken and not in a mood to fix
    • When not used by myself as a product
    • When someone asks a question and I say that the forum is the best place to ask such questions ...

  • Hi Mark,

     

    I consider something finished when I have reached a stable marketable product. As the person creating the project the short comings and possibilities for improvement are always in focus but if one doesn't stop innovating and bring the product to market you will find yourself in an endless fruitless loop. I knew a genius inventor once who had a nice product but I could never buy the same product from him twice in a row. He was always innovating and as soon as I got used to his current product he would be on to a new incarnation of the product with different side effects. In frustration I finally stopped doing business with him and went with a different vendor. Once your product or project is finished there is no reason why you can't start development of an improved model while your current product is at work for you but at least for me I would consider this a whole new project.

     

    John

  • I consider my projects finished when I am satisfied with the outcome.  Different projects have different objectives.  Most of my projects are done to learn a new technology, component, device, etc.  And to have the fun and satisfaction of building something.  Sounds like you completed those objectives image