In the previous sequence of Labs you had a specific set of tasks to accomplish during each lab period. You now have a single task, your design project, and four weeks in which to accomplish it. It is tempting to structure those four weeks as follows:
Since each project and each team are different, there is no one-size-fits-all, guaranteed schedule. However, organizing your work along the following lines has been shown to provide a satisfactory balance between success and slumber.
If appropriate, decompose your project into a collection of subsystems. For each subsystem, identify at least one sensor, circuit, or VI which will realize it. All of the projects can be constructed using circuits and techniques which have been covered in previous labs. However simpler and more elegant solutions are often possible if you are willing to be adventurous and seek out new material.
One approach to exploring potential design directions is to brainstorm a variety of ideas and approaches. Evaluate these possible solutions in terms of efficacy, elegance, simplicity, and any other appropriate criteria and select the best one.
Before proceeding to Phase II you should have had at least one meeting with the instructor to discuss your plans for your project. Such meetings, or less formal discussions, are potential sources of ideas and suggestions for components, so you might want to have more than just one.
Because the time available is limited, you should set milestones to ensure that you don't fall behind. One of these has been set for you: Phase III must be completed by the last day of class.