At Next Idea Matters (NIM), one of the first and most crucial steps after forming a team is to determine and submit your project topic for review. The choice of topic sets the direction for the entire project and can often be the deciding factor between success and failure. A well-chosen topic is half the battle won. This article will share some key considerations to help you choose the right topic for your NIM project.
Aligning the Topic with the Nature of the Idea Track
NIM offers eight different Idea Tracks, including research-based projects, communication-focused projects, and problem-solving projects, among others. Each track has its unique objectives, so your topic must align with the nature of the chosen track. For example:
Research-based Projects: The goal is to understand the facts.
Communication-focused Projects: The aim is to impact or influence.
Problem-solving Projects: The objective is to solve problems or address issues.
For instance, if you are enrolled in the Next Idea to Advocate track, which is communication-focused, your project title should not be “Exploring the Relationship Between A and B.” Instead, it should focus on a goal related to advocacy and influence, such as “Raising Awareness About a Specific Issue.”
Focus on the Objective, Not the Solution, in the Initial Submission
At the project's inception, the task is to identify and define the problem you want to solve, not to pre-determine the solution. When initially submitting your topic, emphasize the objective of your project rather than the potential solutions. For example:
Objective: Help Elderly People Living Alone Get Immediate Medical Attention In Case of a Fall.
Avoid: Using Smart Bracelets/Monitoring Systems/Home Visits to Help Elderly People Living Alone Get Immediate Medical Attention in Case of a Fall.
Similarly, if your goal is to reduce the stigma among teenagers about seeing a psychologist, you should state the objective without specifying methods like video campaigns or experiential simulations. This approach keeps the project open and flexible, allowing the team to develop the best solution based on thorough investigation and analysis.
Focus on Specific Topics Based on Resources and Capabilities, Avoiding Overly Broad Topics
Choosing a topic that is too broad can make it difficult for the team to manage and control the project. For example, in the Next Idea to Ecoplore track, which aims to address urban ecological challenges, an overly broad topic like “Addressing Urban Heat Islands” can be overwhelming. Such a broad scope may lead to superficial coverage, merely reiterating existing knowledge without yielding unique project outcomes.
Conversely, narrowing the focus to a specific, manageable issue makes the project more feasible. For instance, “Addressing the Problem of Flooding in the Underground Parking of a Specific Residential Area During the Rainy Season” is a more concrete and actionable topic. Such focused topics are more likely to result in unique, solid outcomes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right topic is a critical step in the success of an NIM project. Ensuring that the topic aligns with the nature of the chosen Idea Track, focusing on objectives rather than solutions in the initial submission, and narrowing the focus based on available resources and capabilities can help your team achieve distinctive and in-depth results. By following these strategies, your team will be better equipped to tackle challenges and achieve success in your NIM project.
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