Making your project, attending, and presenting your project at the event are all part of the fun of Coolest Projects. We asked our community on Twitter about their advice for how you can have the best time at Coolest Projects!
- Everyone is welcome
Nuala McHale from the CoderDojo Foundation said, “share [your] creative ideas no matter what language, technology, or level of complexity or completion… it really is all about taking part!”
2. Enjoy the journey
Google Developer Expert Raul Portales recommended that you focus on the idea and enjoy the learning process!
“Think of what you want to build, don’t focus on the technologies or limitations,” he said. “Find out what you need to learn and enjoy the journey.”
3. Break it down
13-year-old Freddie Howells, who won in the Hardware category at Coolest Projects UK with his facial recognition security system and will be attending Coolest Projects International with a new project, advises you to take things one step at a time.
“Break it down,” he said. “Every great project starts with one small step. Persevere, you’ll get there in the end. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!”
4. Your project doesn’t have to be finished
Philip Colligan, CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, said, “My advice: no project submitted to Coolest Projects has ever been finished. Whatever stage you’re at, get involved, show it off, get some feedback and inspiration from others.”
5. Roll with it
When learning to code, it’s important to remember that it’s OK to make mistakes.
“Things can go wrong while you’re presenting. Roll with it!” advised Rob Zwetsloot, editor of The MagPi magazine. “Just because your project isn’t working 100% on the day, it doesn’t mean folks won’t be impressed by what you’ve achieved.”
6. Find new ideas for your project while you’re there
Tom Evans from Coolest Projects UK said that coders should use Coolest Projects to make their projects even better: “Your project doesn’t have to be complete! Talking to people about a project you are still working on might open up new ideas and help you see issues in a different light. At Coolest Projects you are surrounded by people just as enthusiastic as you, so it is a great place to learn!”
7. Don’t just be cool, be curious
“Ask questions!!” said Kevin from the Raspberry Pi Foundation North America. “The judges will be coming around and asking you questions about your project, but feel free to have one or two questions prepared to ask them or your peers about your project, your presentation, etc. to help you continue to be successful.”
8. Explore
Sinead Gleeson, the event manager for Coolest Projects International, said to make sure to dive into everything on offer at the event: “Check out the other activities around you,” she said. “Escape rooms, retro games, mechatrons — there is so much going on, you should really try and take part in as much as you can.”
9. Most of all, enjoy yourself!
“HAVE FUN!” said Christina Foust, who organised Coolest Projects USA. “Take the time to make new friends! This is a great opportunity to meet other kids who like coding and making, just like you.”
Only a few short weeks to go now — we can’t wait to see what you have been creating!
Come and Play this May at Coolest Projects International
This year’s event will take place in the RDS Main Hall, Dublin, Ireland on 5 May 2019.
There is still time to register a project so you can take part and present next month! Registration closes on Sunday, April 14th.
To register, just enter your project idea here.