How It Works
Opening Skills and Solutions operates on a simple but powerful principle: real software development requires real clients with real needs. Our process ensures students work on projects that matter while clients receive quality solutions.
Client Engagement
Organizations bring specific software challenges: internal tools, data analysis platforms, community websites, or research applications. We work with clients to:
- Define clear requirements and success criteria
- Establish project scope appropriate for student teams
- Set realistic timelines that balance learning with delivery
- Maintain ongoing communication throughout development
Project Scoping
Not every software request becomes a student project. We carefully evaluate potential projects to ensure they:
- Provide meaningful learning opportunities for developers
- Can be completed within academic timelines
- Have engaged clients who can provide feedback and guidance
- Align with our open source mission and values
Development Cycle
Student teams work on open source products in semester-long iterations inspired by Extreme Programming principles. Teams typically continue working on the same product across multiple semesters, building sustained engagement and deeper expertise.
Weekly Development Rhythm:
- Team meetings for planning, code review, and problem-solving
- Client collaboration to demonstrate progress and gather feedback
- Continuous development with ongoing testing and quality assurance
- Faculty and Tech Lead support for technical guidance and mentorship
Between Semesters
Tech Leads work with clients during semester breaks to prepare for upcoming iterations:
- Client discovery and requirements gathering
- Architecture and development planning
- Technology stack evaluation when needed
- Team preparation and goal setting
Each iteration concludes with handoffs serving two audiences:
- Client handoff of new features and improvements
- Team handoff to ensure continuity for future development
Student Showcases:
- Fall semester: Live pitch presentations highlighting product vision and recent work
- Spring semester: Poster presentations as part of the School of Science and Engineering showcase
Learning Integration
Every project serves dual purposes: delivering client value while maximizing student learning opportunities.
Learning Objectives:
- Professional software development practices
- Collaborative coding and version control
- Client communication and requirement analysis
- Project planning and deadline management
- Technical problem-solving and debugging
Students and faculty monitor progress across both technical and professional competencies, ensuring comprehensive career preparation.
Success Metrics
We measure success through multiple lenses:
Client Satisfaction:
- Delivered software meets or exceeds requirements
- Projects completed on schedule and within scope
- Ongoing use and value of delivered solutions
Student Development:
- Technical skill advancement and portfolio building
- Professional readiness and career placement
- Confidence in real-world development scenarios
Community Impact:
- Open source contributions and community engagement
- Knowledge sharing and documentation quality
- Long-term project sustainability and maintenance
Next: Learn about our Team Structure and how different roles work together to ensure project success.
Related: Explore the Student Experience to understand how developers grow through this process.