"Now that there are four of us, I think it's time that we think on what product we should create for our capstone project," Saimon initiated.
"Hmm…" Leo rubbed his chin, leaning back in his chair. "We could keep it simple and manageable. Like, how about a manual can crusher? I saw a concept online. It's compact, mechanical, and eco-friendly. The panel might appreciate something practical like that."
Saimon nodded enthusiastically. "That's not bad. We could emphasize the sustainability angle—reduce waste, recycle efficiently. We could design it to crush aluminum cans for easy recycling. It'd be straightforward to prototype too."
Samantha, who had been silently observing the discussion, leaned forward and crossed her arms.
"You do realize that a manual can crusher is one of the most overdone capstone ideas in existence, right?" Her tone was sharp but factual. "The panel has probably seen it a hundred times."
Leo frowned. "Okay, but it's functional and simple. Isn't that what matters?"
Samantha raised an eyebrow. "Functional, yes. But simple to the point of being uninspired? No. The panel is looking for originality and innovation. A manual can crusher is neither."
Saimon hesitated, scratching his head. "Alright, then what about a bike-powered generator? It's also eco-friendly and has practical applications, like providing backup power during outages."
Samantha let out a quiet sigh. "A bike-powered generator isn't a bad idea in theory, but have you considered the efficiency? The energy output from a single cyclist is barely enough to power basic devices for a short period. It's inefficient, and the panel will see through that immediately. Besides, it's another idea they've probably seen too often."
"Then how about a trash can that can separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste?" Leo suggested.
Samantha's gaze sharpened, and she shook her head. "A waste-separating trash can? It's a decent concept, but let's think critically for a second. First, how are you planning to automate the separation? Sensors? Mechanical sorting? AI integration? Each of those methods comes with challenges—cost, accuracy, maintenance. Not to mention, the market already has advanced waste segregation solutions, so we'd need a unique angle to stand out."
Leo leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms in frustration. "Alright, Miss Know-it-All. If you're so smart, why don't you suggest something?"
Samantha ignored the jab, her expression remaining cold and composed. "Fine. If you want a practical and innovative idea, how about a modular, solar-powered water purification system? It can be tailored to work in rural areas where clean water access is limited. It's scalable, environmentally friendly, and addresses a genuine problem."
"That sounds good," Leo mumbled.
"Yeah it does sound good, but can we make it?" Saimon asked, his eyes fixed on Samantha.
Samantha sighed, a rare flicker of uncertainty crossing her usually composed expression.
"Well it's an idea that I have been working on ever since I failed my capstone project…and it's a slow progress."
"You mean you don't know how?" Saimon said.
"It's not that I don't know, it's just that I still lack necessary information to create something like that."
"So you don't know," Saimon repeated.
Samantha's eyes narrowed as she stared at Saimon. "I didn't say I don't know. I said there are gaps in the knowledge I need to fill. There's a difference."
Saimon raised his hands defensively. "Alright, alright. No need to bite my head off."
"Well…how about you Matthew?" Leo flickered his gaze to Matthew, who was listening to their discussion ever since the start.
"I do have one, and it's going to cost us a lot of money. But I am sure that if we build it, we will pass this course," Matthew replied.
"What is it?" Leo asked and all the eyes of his members were on him, with Samantha being the sharpest.
"An electric vehicle," Matthew replied.
The moment they heard that, the three of them froze.
Leo broke the silence first, his eyes wide. "An electric vehicle? Are you serious, dude? That's… massive. That's not just a capstone project, that's a whole company's worth of effort!"
Saimon shook his head, looking equally incredulous. "I mean, it's a great idea, but there's no way we can pull that off! We're just a bunch of mechanical engineering students. Building an EV? That's way out of our league."
Samantha, her expression remaining neutral, finally spoke. "He's right. Building an electric vehicle isn't just ambitious—it's bordering on unrealistic. Do you even know the components involved? The design, the assembly, the integration of electrical systems? This is the realm of electrical engineers, not mechanical."
"I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. The core parts of an EV—the chassis, suspension, drivetrain, braking system, aerodynamics—those are all mechanical engineering. Yes, there's an electrical system involved, but it's not the entirety of the project."
Samantha narrowed her eyes slightly. "And how exactly do you plan to handle the electrical aspects? Battery integration? Motor controllers? Regenerative braking? Do you have any experience with those?"
"I do…in fact I already have the papers saved in my laptop that you all can see," Matthew replied coolly.
"You have the papers saved on your laptop? What exactly are you saying? That you've already planned out the entire EV system? Including the electrical integration?"
Matthew gave a confident nod. "Yes. Well, not entirely. I've done a lot of research on this, and I've got schematics, blueprints, and reference materials that can guide us."
Saimon let out a dry laugh. "You make it sound like we can just download a guide and slap the whole thing together. This is way more complicated than building a chair in shop class, Matthew."
Leo crossed his arms, leaning back. "And the cost, man. Even if you've got some funding, we're talking about materials, specialized tools, testing… It's not exactly a weekend project."
Samantha, though less animated than the others, seemed thoughtful. "Let's say you have the schematics and funding. Even with the mechanical focus, we'll still need to ensure compatibility with the electrical systems. Motors, batteries, powertrains—these are delicate components. If anything is misaligned, the entire vehicle won't work. Are you ready for that level of precision?"
Matthew held her gaze, unwavering. "I am. Look, I know it's a massive undertaking, but think about it. If we pull this off, it's not just a passing grade. It's a breakthrough. Something the panel has never seen before. It's worth the risk."
"But if we fail, then we repeat this course again, and it's another semester wasted. And I'm pretty sure my parents will disown me if I have to repeat this course again. Do you understand how risky this is, Matthew?"
Leo nodded emphatically. "Saimon is right, we have to play this safe. I don't think we can work on that project of yours, Matthew. Let's think of something easy."
"Guys, I will make it work! I promise. Besides, the basic and easy idea would definitely get rejected by the panel. I want you to trust me on this…for one last time."
Matthew's earnest plea hung in the air, silencing the group momentarily.
Samantha was the first to break the silence. "Very well, let's work on that idea of yours."
"Ehh…but Samantha…you said it yourself, this is unrealistic for us students to do," Saimon reminded.
Samantha adjusted her posture, her icy demeanor softening just slightly as she looked at Matthew.
"Yes—but Matthew's determination is... different. He's not just throwing ideas around for the sake of it. He's thought this through. He has research, schematics, a plan. I can see he's serious."
Saimon groaned, throwing his hands up. "You're saying that now? After calling it unrealistic?"
"I'm saying it's ambitious," Samantha replied sharply. "And it is unrealistic—if we don't fully commit to it. But with the right approach, and if Matthew's as prepared as he claims, we might actually have a shot."
Leo leaned forward, his arms resting on the table. "You're really considering this, Samantha? You, of all people?"
Samantha nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes. Not because it's easy, but because it's bold. The panel isn't looking for safe projects—they're looking for innovation. And as much as I hate to admit it, Matthew's idea has potential. But only if we're prepared to give it everything we've got."
Saimon sighed, shaking his head. "Fine, but this is going to be a nightmare."
"It will be," Samantha agreed bluntly. "But it could also be worth it. If we're going to do this, we need to be smart about it. We can't afford any missteps."
Matthew exhaled. "Thank you, Samantha. I promise I won't let you—or any of us—down."
Samantha leaned forward, locking eyes with Matthew. "Don't thank me yet. You've got my trust for now, but if I see you slacking or unprepared at any point, I'm pulling the plug. Understood?"
Matthew nodded firmly. "Understood."