---
title: Project Planning Resources
---

:::caution[Programme Sunset]
The open Mentorship Programme has been sunset and is no longer accepting new participants. These pages remain available as reference material.

I'm now running a private, personalised professional development programme on an invite-only basis - hand-selecting a small number of participants so the shape of each journey can be built around them. There is no application process; participation is by direct invitation only.

Being active in my [Discord community](https://chat.nhcarrigan.com/) increases your chances of being invited.
:::

**PROJECT PLAN EXAMPLES AND BRAINSTORMING GUIDES**

## Project Plan Example

### Example: Task Management Application

**Project Overview:**
A full-stack task management application that allows users to create, organise, and track tasks with features like kanban boards, task dependencies, and project rewards.

**Core Features:**
1. User authentication and authorization
2. Task creation and management
3. Kanban board view
4. Task dependencies
5. Project organisation
6. Reward system for completed projects
7. Gamification elements (optional)

**Technical Stack:**
- Front-end: React with TypeScript
- Back-end: Node.js with Express
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Authentication: JWT
- Deployment: Vercel (front-end), Railway (back-end)

**Project Structure:**
- User authentication system
- Task CRUD operations
- Project management
- Kanban board interface
- Dependency tracking
- Reward system
- Gamification features

**Timeline:**
- Weeks 1-2: Setup and authentication
- Weeks 3-4: Core task functionality
- Weeks 5-6: Kanban board and views
- Weeks 7-8: Dependencies and projects
- Weeks 9-10: Reward system
- Weeks 11-12: Gamification and polish

## Project Idea Brainstorming Guide

### Step 1: Identify Your Interests

**Questions to Ask:**
- What problems do you encounter in your daily life?
- What tools or applications do you wish existed?
- What hobbies or interests do you have?
- What industries are you curious about?

**Examples:**
- Daily life: Meal planning, expense tracking, habit tracking
- Tools: Code snippet manager, design asset organiser
- Hobbies: Music playlist creator, workout tracker, recipe manager
- Industries: Healthcare apps, education tools, productivity software

### Step 2: Define the Problem

**Problem Statement Template:**
"As a [user type], I need [what they need] because [why they need it]."

**Example:**
"As a developer, I need a way to organise and quickly access my code snippets because I waste time searching through notes and documentation."

### Step 3: Identify Core Features

**Feature Brainstorming:**
- What are the essential features (MVP)?
- What features would be nice to have?
- What features are stretch goals?

**MVP Features:**
- Core functionality that solves the main problem
- User authentication (if needed)
- Basic CRUD operations
- Essential UI/UX

**Nice-to-Have Features:**
- Advanced functionality
- Additional views or interfaces
- Integration with other services
- Advanced customization

**Stretch Goals:**
- Gamification
- Social features
- Advanced analytics
- Mobile apps

### Step 4: Choose Your Tech Stack

**Considerations:**
- What technologies align with your career goals?
- What technologies are you learning?
- What technologies are in demand for your target roles?
- What technologies interest you?

**Common Stacks:**
- **MERN:** MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js
- **PERN:** PostgreSQL, Express, React, Node.js
- **MEVN:** MongoDB, Express, Vue, Node.js
- **Django/Flask + React:** Python back-end, React front-end
- **Ruby on Rails + React:** Ruby back-end, React front-end

### Step 5: Plan Your Project Structure

**Project Components:**
- Authentication system
- Core feature modules
- Database schema
- API endpoints
- Front-end components
- Testing strategy
- Deployment plan

## Project Planning Template

```markdown
# [Project Name]

## Project Overview
[Brief description of what the project does and why it exists]

## Problem Statement
[What problem does this solve? Who is it for?]

## Core Features (MVP)
1. [Feature 1]
2. [Feature 2]
3. [Feature 3]

## Nice-to-Have Features
1. [Feature 1]
2. [Feature 2]

## Stretch Goals
1. [Feature 1]
2. [Feature 2]

## Technical Stack
- Front-end: [Technology]
- Back-end: [Technology]
- Database: [Technology]
- Other: [Technologies]

## Project Structure
- [Component/Module 1]
- [Component/Module 2]
- [Component/Module 3]

## Timeline
- Week 1-2: [Milestone]
- Week 3-4: [Milestone]
- Week 5-6: [Milestone]
- Week 7-8: [Milestone]
- Week 9-10: [Milestone]
- Week 11-12: [Milestone]

## Success Criteria
- [ ] [Criterion 1]
- [ ] [Criterion 2]
- [ ] [Criterion 3]
```

## Additional Project Ideas

### Beginner-Friendly Projects
- Todo list application
- Weather app
- Calculator
- Quiz application
- Blog platform
- Recipe finder

### Intermediate Projects
- E-commerce site
- Social media platform
- Project management tool
- Chat application
- Expense tracker
- Learning management system

### Advanced Projects
- Real-time collaboration tool
- Video streaming platform
- Marketplace application
- Analytics dashboard
- AI-powered application
- Blockchain-based application

---

*Use these examples and templates as starting points. The best projects solve real problems and demonstrate your skills effectively.*

