Avoid this
- Starting with a solution before understanding the problem
- Choosing a problem that is too large or vague
- Building a prototype without testing it
High school project idea · Science & Engineering
Engineer a Better Solution
Find a real frustration, build a prototype, test it, and make it better.
Engineers turn everyday frustrations into better systems, tools, and designs.
Original Compass project by Davisville LabsReviewed August 2026Goal real work, evidence, and reflectionEditorial standards →
Why this project matters
Learn by doing something real.
Engineering begins with noticing problems and building better ways to solve them. Students often see frustration as something to complain about, but engineers see it as useful information. This project helps students identify a real problem, understand the people affected, design a solution, build a prototype, test it, gather feedback, and improve it through iteration.
What you will create
Your project plan
Use these deliverables as milestones for Engineer a Better Solution. Adapt the details to your interests, available time, and real-world opportunities.
- 01
Problem & User Brief
Choose one real frustration, define the problem clearly, and identify who experiences it and why it matters.
- 02
Solution Research & Concepts
Research existing solutions, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and sketch several possible approaches.
- 03
Prototype Build
Create a safe physical, digital, paper, cardboard, 3D, or low-fidelity prototype that demonstrates how the solution could work.
- 04
Testing & Iteration Log
Test the prototype with users or realistic scenarios, collect feedback, document failures, and revise the design.
- 05
Engineering Case Study
Publish a portfolio-ready case study explaining the problem, design process, prototype, tests, revisions, final solution, and lessons learned.
Make the work stronger
What separates a finished project from a meaningful one?
For Engineer a Better Solution, use these checkpoints to protect the quality of the work without turning the project into a performance for admissions.
Evidence that it is working
- A real-world problem was selected
- User needs and constraints were identified
- A prototype was built
If you want to go further
- Create multiple prototype versions
- Interview someone who experiences the problem
Skills you can build
Capabilities that travel beyond this project.
Design ThinkingTechnical CreativityUser EmpathyTestingPersistence
College application value
Use the project as evidence, not decoration.
Demonstrates initiative, creativity, engineering thinking, problem solving, persistence, user empathy, analytical reasoning, and the ability to improve a solution through testing.
InitiativeCreativityProblem SolvingPersistenceAnalytical Thinking
The goal of Engineer a Better Solution is not to manufacture an impressive activity. Do real work, keep evidence of the process, and reflect honestly on what changed.
Related college majors
Which fields connect to this work?
Use Engineer a Better Solution as a clue, then open a related major guide to compare coursework, career directions, reality checks, and other ways to test the field.
How this guide was made
Read editorial standards →Engineer a Better Solution is an original Compass educational starting point designed around real work, visible evidence, feedback, and reflection. It is not an admissions guarantee.
Ready to build it?
Try this project in Compass