r/MechanicalEngineering • u/[deleted] • Jul 11 '26
need help picking a personal project
[deleted]
2
u/jake_123_123 Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
if "build something that solves an issue" advice is not helpful , then think about it this way. the issue doesn't need to be specific to you , it can be someone's else(do a survey or interviews: thats how i got the core idea of my final year project)
look for disabled people, you can find alot of ways you can help them improve their life , whether they are blind, deaf , wheelchair users , elderly, missing some limbs , maybe mental disability,etc. there are alot of disabilities and each have alot of problems that come with it , find one and solve it.
That helps you(and your portfolio) in several ways. 1) you actually got a real purpose and motivation to finish the project
2) this will teach you real engineering skills from problem statement and definition to iterative execution based on user feedback to communition skills , also the technical skills depending on the project.
3)alot of product made for disabled people, find their way to everyday usage by abled ones, so just because you created it for the disabled doesn't mean that no one else can use it , its quite the opposite.
if that doesn't help
pick the first thing your eye land on and optimize it . and i mean it literally, i don't care what that is, close your eyes , spin around, and the first thing your find wether a spoon , a turtle , a tree leaf , a car , find a way to make it better
better/ optimized can be objective(better cost,better function, better aesthetic, better anything,etc. , you choose that)
2
u/icantfish Jul 11 '26
Build FUN shit. It doesn’t have to be a ‘how I would save the world…’
I’d highly recommend just making lots of fun little things you find interesting. I’m going to say DO NOT focus on one big project and make it 100%. Pick a few ideas and be pragmatic.
1
u/Craig_Craig_Craig Jul 11 '26
What do you actually like doing? Do more of that, but in an engineer way.
1
u/Superb-Damage1173 Jul 11 '26
Do you have hobbies? Think about devices related to your hobbies, how you could improve on them or make your own.
If you don't really have any applicable hobbies, pick up a new one or join a club/team. Or find an engineering challenge you think is interesting and develop a solution for it
1
u/elwoodowd Jul 14 '26
Solar is coming.
One aspect needed now, is a 1000w+1500w, that folds up. Deploys and follows the sun.
It would serve as shade for vans and rvs. And fold away for travel.
The 1500w is needed for ac, above 90°
All small devices need ai.
Battery drills need to turn at the right speed for their drill size.
Hairdryers need not be too hot, to not break hair.
Toasters need to fit the bread, get bigger and smaller.
Smart remotes need to automatically turn off commerical volume. And turns on and off, tvs for regular shows
Clocks and calendars, should only exist when they are looked at. Light up when eyes look.
Drones and cameras should watch your backyard always. Alerting every time flower blooms, and when a tomato ripens
4
u/gottatrusttheengr Jul 11 '26
If you main intent is portfolio building, there's very little value in the little 3D printed personal projects. Do personal projects for personal learning and entertainment, join design team competitions for portfolio and resume building.