Avoid this
- Starting with a cool idea before defining the problem
- Making the invention too unrealistic to prototype
- Ignoring existing solutions
High school project idea · Science & Engineering
Invent Something Future You Would Use
Create an original invention that solves a real problem and pitch why it matters.
The best inventions solve problems people actually feel.
Original Compass project by Davisville LabsReviewed August 2026Goal real work, evidence, and reflectionEditorial standards →
Why this project matters
Learn by doing something real.
Great inventions often begin with a simple question: what would make life better? This project helps students imagine a real future need, define a meaningful problem, design an original solution, build a prototype, test the idea, and communicate its value. Students learn that invention is not magic. It is a process of observation, creativity, engineering, feedback, and improvement.
What you will create
Your project plan
Use these deliverables as milestones for Invent Something Future You Would Use. Adapt the details to your interests, available time, and real-world opportunities.
- 01
Future Problem Brief
Identify a meaningful problem your future self or someone like you might face and explain why it matters.
- 02
Existing Solutions Research
Research how people currently solve the problem and identify what is missing, frustrating, expensive, confusing, or incomplete.
- 03
Invention Concept
Develop sketches, diagrams, features, materials, user experience notes, and a clear explanation of how the invention would work.
- 04
Prototype & Testing Notes
Build a safe prototype or model, test the idea in a realistic way, gather feedback, and document improvements.
- 05
Invention Pitch Case Study
Publish a portfolio-ready case study and pitch explaining the problem, invention, prototype, testing, revisions, limitations, and future potential.
Make the work stronger
What separates a finished project from a meaningful one?
For Invent Something Future You Would Use, 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 meaningful future problem was selected
- Existing solutions were researched
- An original invention concept was designed
If you want to go further
- Create a short demo video for the invention
- Build a second improved prototype
Skills you can build
Capabilities that travel beyond this project.
CreativityFuture ThinkingProblem SolvingTechnical CommunicationIteration
College application value
Use the project as evidence, not decoration.
Demonstrates creativity, initiative, engineering thinking, problem solving, persistence, future orientation, communication, and the ability to develop an original idea through testing and feedback.
CreativityInitiativeEngineering ThinkingPersistenceProblem Solving
The goal of Invent Something Future You Would Use is not to manufacture an impressive activity. Do real work, keep evidence of the process, and reflect honestly on what changed.
How this guide was made
Read editorial standards →Invent Something Future You Would Use 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