Project Completion Checklist
Functional Completion
Test all functional aspects of your project
Ensure the project fulfills its core purpose
Verify that all essential components work as intended
Check for any functional bugs or issues
Test under different conditions if applicable
Confirm the project meets your minimum viable completion criteria
Refinement Assessment
Identify areas that would benefit from refinement
Prioritize refinements using the 80/20 rule (focus on the 20% of changes that create 80% of improvement)
Address functional issues before aesthetic refinements
Make strategic improvements based on your priorities
Test refinements to ensure they enhance rather than detract
Know when to stop refining (recognize diminishing returns)
Finishing Touches
Apply appropriate finishing techniques for your materials
Ensure edges, seams, or transitions are properly resolved
Clean up any marks, smudges, or imperfections
Remove temporary elements (guidelines, supports, etc.)
Add any final details that enhance the overall quality
Check for consistency in finish and appearance
Final Evaluation
Review your original project goals and success criteria
Assess how well the project meets these criteria
Consider whether the project fulfills its intended purpose
Evaluate the project from the user/audience perspective
Identify the most successful aspects of the project
Note areas for improvement in future projects
Documentation
Take high-quality photos or recordings of the finished project
Document key specifications, materials, or technical details
Write a brief description of the project and its purpose
Record the process you followed from concept to completion
Note any significant challenges and how you overcame them
Create appropriate documentation for the project’s intended use
Reflection
Identify what you learned during this project
Note which techniques or approaches were most successful
Consider what you might do differently next time
Recognize how your skills have developed
Identify areas for further learning or practice
Capture ideas for future projects that emerged
Sharing and Presentation
Determine appropriate ways to share your project
Prepare a simple presentation of both process and outcome
Consider the context and audience for sharing
Highlight the most interesting or successful aspects
Be prepared to discuss your process and decisions
Create an appropriate display or presentation format
Celebration and Closure
Acknowledge the completion of your project
Take time to appreciate what you’ve accomplished
Share the completion with at least one other person
Document the project in your creative portfolio
Reflect on how this project fits into your creative journey
Allow yourself to feel satisfaction before rushing to the next project