Subject 843 • Unit 4 • 5 Marks Theory (6h Theory + 15h Practical)

Unit 4: Introduction to Capstone ProjectDesign Thinking, 5W1H Decomposition, Empathy Maps & UN SDGs

Master the complete AI Capstone Project methodology. Learn how to verify "Is there a Pattern?", decompose challenges using 5W1H, apply the 5 stages of Design Thinking, construct 4-quadrant Empathy Maps, align with Sustainable Development Goals, and excel in handbook MCQs.

Practice 11 Handbook MCQs

Prerequisite Analysis

1. The Fundamental Question: "Is there a Pattern?"

Before embarking on an AI development journey, you must ask: "Is there a Pattern?" If a problem does not involve recurring patterns in data, it cannot be solved with Artificial Intelligence.

5 Core Predictive Analysis Questions:Predictive analysis maps real-world problems to the appropriate AI approach by answering:

1. Which category? → Classification

2. How much or how many? → Regression

3. Which group? → Clustering

4. Is this unusual? → Anomaly Detection

5. Which option should be taken? → Recommendation

Structuring Complexity

2. Problem Decomposition in 4 Steps & 5W1H Method

Step 1

Understand & Restate

Identify inputs and expected outputs; restate the problem in simple human terms.

Step 2

Break into Large Pieces

Split into main functional pillars (e.g. traffic cause: bad roads, signals, accidents).

Step 3

Sub-divide Further

Break complicated blocks into atomic units (e.g. rash driving → speed, inexperience).

Step 4

Code & Test Locally

Implement one small unit at a time, test in isolation, and fix issues iteratively.

The 5W1H Problem Framing Method:

Who? Who are the sufferers? Who operates the system?

What? What is the core bottleneck or pain point?

Where? In which physical/digital environment does it occur?

When? During which specific hours or conditions?

Why? Why does it happen and why must it be resolved?

How? How can AI deliver measurable improvement?

Human-Centered Innovation

3. The 5 Stages of Design Thinking & Empathy Mapping

1. Empathize

User Research

Immerse yourself in the user's world without bias. Conduct interviews, observe real user struggles, and map emotional insights using 4-quadrant Empathy Maps (Says, Thinks, Does, Feels).

2. Define

Problem Statement

Synthesize user research using the 5W1H framework (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How). Frame an actionable, human-centered problem statement focusing on unmet user needs.

3. Ideate

Idea Generation

Go wide mentally! Utilize Brainstorming, Brain Dump, and Brainwriting to produce a high volume of creative ideas without premature criticism. Use storyboarding to visualize workflows.

4. Prototype

Tangible Models

Build quick, low-cost, rudimentary representations of the solution—sketches, paper mockups, chatbot dialog tree nodes (intents & entities), or clickable wireframes.

5. Test

Feedback & Iteration

Put the prototype in front of real target users, parents, or teachers. Gather unfiltered feedback, discover edge cases, and circle back to refine earlier stages iteratively.

The 4 Quadrants of an Empathy Map

User Persona Representation

SAYS (Direct Statements)

Quotes and statements uttered aloud by users during interviews (e.g. "I want to reach office early").

THINKS (Unspoken Thoughts)

Internal beliefs, anxieties, and values the user holds (e.g. "Will someone clear this traffic?").

DOES (Observable Actions)

Tangible actions and behaviors demonstrated (e.g. checks traffic apps, changes travel time).

FEELS (Emotional State)

Underlying emotional mood: stressed, anxious, tired, overwhelmed, or hopeful.

Global Impact

4. Aligning Capstone Projects with UN SDGs

The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a sustainable, healthy, and equitable future by 2030. Every CBSE AI Capstone Project must align with at least one SDG target:

SDG 2: Zero Hunger — Food supply optimization, crop disease detection.

SDG 4: Quality Education — Adaptive learning assistants, subject counseling bots.

SDG 7: Clean Energy — Smart appliance power monitoring to eliminate waste.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities — Intelligent traffic signal timing, route planning.

SDG 13: Climate Action — Carbon footprint tracking, sea level erosion models.

SDG 14: Life Below Water — Coral bleaching monitoring, marine waste tracking.

Board Exam Practice • 11 Questions

Official Handbook MCQs & Answer Key

Click any option to instantly see if you're correct with the official CBSE explanation.

Which of the following statements is NOT correct about the AI Capstone Project?

What is the fundamental prerequisite question that must be asked before embarking on an AI development journey?

In predictive analysis, the question 'Which option should be taken?' corresponds to which AI technique?

Which essential stage in the Design Thinking framework is missing from this sequence: [ ? , Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test]?

Real computational problems are complex. To tackle them effectively before coding, you must:

Which of the following questioning words is NOT a part of the 5W1H problem definition method?

Which stage of Design Thinking involves generating a large volume of creative ideas through sketching and brainstorming without immediate judgment?

Which technique is also specifically known as 'individual brainstorming' where team members write ideas on paper before sharing?

Which of the following is a highly effective visual mapping process used during the Ideation stage?

Which stage in Design Thinking involves creating quick, low-cost, rudimentary physical or digital models to test solutions with users?

Which type of analysis helps in identifying patterns by categorizing questions into Classification, Regression, Clustering, Anomaly Detection, and Recommendation?

Fast Revision Summary

Unit 4 Quick Recall Cheat Sheet

"Is there a Pattern?": The core test. If no recurring pattern exists in the data, the challenge cannot be solved using AI.

Problem Decomposition: Understand/restate → Large pieces → Subdivide small units → Code & test iteratively.

5 Stages of Design Thinking: Empathize (understand users) → Define (5W1H) → Ideate (brainstorm) → Prototype (mockup) → Test.

Empathy Map Quadrants: Says, Thinks, Does, and Feels capture comprehensive behavioral user personas.

Clear Your Doubts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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