Want a Killer Project Idea? Stop Searching and Start Using.

Staring at a blank editor, wanting to build a standout project for your portfolio, but having no idea what to create? You're not alone. The pressure is on to learn new tech, fill your GitHub, and build something impressive.

So what do we do? We often fall back on the same generic projects: another to-do list, a weather app, a movie database clone. While these teach you the basics, they don't show what truly matters: your ability to solve a real-world problem.

I'm going to suggest something that feels counterintuitive: stop actively searching for project ideas, and start being a consumer.

The Problem with "Project Hunting"

The best ideas aren't found in lists of "Top 10 Projects for Juniors." They're found in moments of frustration.

You are an aspiring engineer. You are a problem solver. But you won't find interesting problems to solve in generic projects or by grinding Leetcode. You'll find them when you get annoyed by an app's bug, struggle with a clunky website, or try to use an open-source tool with terrible documentation.

That frustration? That's your next project idea.

Finding Ideas by Being a Consumer

Instead of brainstorming in a vacuum, become an active consumer of technology. I came up with my most successful personal project this way.

We're using Home Assistant to control and automate our home, but my dad, who has troubles with small text, found the mobile app hard to use, and the voice assistant was too inconsistent. So, I came up with the idea - why not control the smart home from the TV, where he spends most of his time?

As I began developing, I realized that the existing solutions for smart home control on TV were clunky and unintuitive, requiring the user to leave their current app and open another. I wanted something that was fast, simple, and always accessible. I didn't want to build just another app; I wanted to create a seamless experience that felt like an extension of the remote itself.

So, I built QuickBars for Home Assistant, a native Android TV app that lets you control your smart home directly from your Android TV, without leaving what you're watching.

The app has now grown to over 4,000 users, with more than 350 paying customers, and a 4.9-star rating on the Play Store, all because I started by being a user first, and by solving a real problem I faced (or, my dad faced).

By living as a consumer, you'll gain a massive advantage:

You will find real problems: Not theoretical exercises, but genuine pain points that users and customers likely share.
You will think like a user: You'll build from the perspective of someone who needs a solution, not just an engineer showing off a technical skill.
You'll develop a "feel" for UX: You will intuitively start to understand what makes a product enjoyable or infuriating to use.
You'll learn from others' mistakes: You'll see firsthand what not to do, saving you time and effort on your own project.

So, What Do I Consume?

Many students and Juniors are very anti-consumer. They avoid forums, social media (which I agree with, to an extent), and even hobbies and television. They're scared of being "distracted" or "wasting time", or even of being left behind if they don't code/grind Leetcode 24/7.

If you're not one of those people, great! pay more attention to the apps and tools you use daily, and feel free to skip this section.

But, if you are - you're probably asking yourself - what should I consume?

The answer is simple: Whatever interests you.

Apps you use daily (social media, productivity, entertainment)
Hobbies you engage in (fitness, cooking, gaming, music, reading...)
Websites you visit often (news, shopping, forums)
Tools you use for school or work (IDEs, project management, collaboration)
Open-source projects you rely on (libraries, frameworks, utilities)

In my case, I was passionate about IOT, so I focused on building the most amazing smart home system I could have (with Home Assistant). I did it as a hobby for a long while, and only much later found the problem that led to my app idea.

How to Cultivate Your "Idea Radar"

1. "Scratch Your Own Itch"

What is a small, recurring annoyance in your digital life?

The five taps it takes to do a simple action in an app you use daily?
The repetitive copy-pasting you do for a school or work task?
A feature you wish existed in your favorite tool? Build the solution for yourself. You will always be your first and most passionate user.

2. Listen to Your Friends and Family Complain

You don't need formal user research. Just listen. When your friend complains about how confusing the university portal is, or your dad struggles with the new smart TV interface, ask questions: "What were you trying to do there?" "What did you expect to happen when you clicked that?"

Their frustrations are free, high-quality project ideas.

3. Explore the Tools You Already Use

Look at the open-source software and frameworks you use. Read their GitHub issues. Is there a commonly requested feature you could try to build? Is the documentation confusing? You could build a better "getting started" guide or a small utility that simplifies a common task.

From Frustration to Finished Project

When I started building my TV remote app, my user-first perspective guided every decision. A typical "student project" mindset might have pushed me to add every possible feature. But as a user, I knew what I really wanted:

Clarity over information density: Since the app was for a TV screen, meant to be seen from across the room, I prioritized huge, easy-to-read buttons and text. Another developer might have tried to pack more controls onto the screen, but my goal was to make it effortless for anyone to use without squinting.
A Solid Core over Polished Edges: I poured my energy into making the main overlays - the QuickBars feel fluid, responsive, and intuitive. The app's menus, which are used far less often, remained simple and functional. It was more important for the primary user journey to be perfect than for every corner of the app to have a flashy design.

This is the kind of product thinking that interviewers love to see, far more than another generic project.

Your Portfolio's Secret Weapon

One unique project that solves a real, personal problem is worth more than five generic tutorials. It tells a story. It shows passion, empathy, ownership, and an ability to turn an actual problem into a solution.

So, close that "Top 10 Projects" article. Instead, go about your day and pay attention. Your next great frustration might just be your next great project.