AHALab × ZimaBlueAI · Project Methods Course

Start with something you care about.
Take one small step.

Follow the making of Shiguang Huaxia
and find a place to begin with an idea of your own.

Start reading and trying →Open the presentation

About 60 minutes · Learn in stages · No coding knowledge needed to begin

Sometimes an idea begins with a small thing that stays with you.
Ask one more question. Try one small thing.

This lesson begins with an app that is still finding its way.

A course design about later life led to an app where people can take their time speaking. The first version drew on existing experience and AI tools. Then came invitations to try it, difficulties and revisions. We have kept the uncertainty in this story, including the questions still unanswered.

The course about later life has not yet been taught, and the app is still in beta. We share how the work developed. Its lasting value and market remain untested.

Follow the example, then return to your own question.

Care about a situation, ask clear questions, and choose what to protect. Try it once with tools, listen to feedback, and decide the next step.

People propose requests with clear boundaries and checks; AI offers options; people test and revise.
Tools can help build your idea, but you still decide the direction and check if it works.

You do not have to know everything
before you begin.

Try it with paper cards, a demonstration or a small prototype.
Let the questions show you what to learn next.

See how to use existing skills and AI →

Start on your own, but check with the same evidence.

For university learners studying online

You don’t need to be in the same place to read and do the work. Each section has tasks and self-checks, so you don’t need a fixed partner. If you want advice, you can send a summary of your actions to the teacher if you’re willing to share. You can also discuss together in an online meeting.

For lower-secondary learners

Start with school, daily life, or a hobby. You can draw cards alone or voluntarily test with others. If you need to go out or contact strangers, ask an adult for help. You are not required to start a business or build the app in this case study.

Leave a little time to understand yourself, too.

Optional 5–8 minutes: Think back on a small thing you got done. Look at your strengths and where you get stuck. You keep your reflections. No typing, no ranking.

My strengths and sticking points →Self-discipline and first principles →Browse 19 diagrams →

Five parts, about 60 minutes.

Pause and write a few sentences when you reach a task. You can learn just one section today. Reading markers help you come back and continue.

  1. 00—02What would you like to take one more step towards?
  2. 02—05A project that is still finding its way
  3. 05—08Make room for conversation at a person’s own pace
  4. 08—11Separate the complaint, the need and the feature
  5. 11—16Turn what you noticed into a question you can test
  6. 16—19What you protect shapes the choices you make
  7. 19—22Build on what you already know
  8. 22—26You can start before you know platform programming
  9. 26—29Progress comes from trying it again
  10. 29—33AI says it is fixed. The phone is still silent.
  11. 33—37A usable prototype still comes with responsibilities
  12. 37—40Sending the installer is only part of delivery
  13. 40—44Ask what happened before adding a feature
  14. 44—47When tools can copy, what does a creator still decide?
  15. 47—50Make room for small commitments, and for starting again
  16. 50—57Keep a wider hope. Choose a smaller next step.
  17. 57—60Next time, bring back something that happened

After the reading,
let one small action happen.

A person or situation you are willing to learn about, and one guess you still need to check,
an action you can start within 48 hours.

Open your action card →

Further reading and teacher resources

“Some words, I’d like to hear you say them again” ↗

Teaching guideCases and evidenceAI delegation and tool decisions48-hour / 7-day follow-up

This course has not yet been trial-taught. You can study offline. App source code, private information and live service settings are not included.

Download it and take your time

Extract the complete materials package and open index.html. The illustrated reading, animated presentation, action card and teaching guide work offline; external source links need an internet connection.

Presentation PDF · Teaching guide PDF · Action card PDF · Reflection card PDF ·

Download the complete course