For this final project, you will be designing and developing a fully functional WordPress website that demonstrates your technical and creative skills in web development. This project will consist of three major components:
WordPress Website:
You will create a website based on a topic of your choice, following the provided guidelines. The website must be responsive, user-friendly, and include key features relevant to its purpose.
Comprehensive Documentation (Mini Thesis):
This will include a detailed explanation of your website’s design, development process, methodology, and the tools you used. The documentation will also discuss your objectives, literature review, and methodologies, which will be submitted as part of your final paper.
Presentation:
You will either present your website live or submit a recorded video showcasing its features, explaining your design choices, and demonstrating its functionality.
This final project will allow you to apply what you have learned throughout the course, combining technical skills with academic research. Make sure to focus on functionality, design, and the overall user experience to create a website that meets the objectives outlined in your documentation.
The project will be assessed based on the quality of the website, the thoroughness of the documentation, and the effectiveness of your presentation. Follow the project rubric for detailed criteria and expectations.
This final project involves designing and developing a WordPress website that addresses real-world problems, following clear steps and stages. Below is a concise guide to ensure you stay on track throughout the process.
Choose Your Website Topic:
Select from the provided list of website ideas that could potentially solve real-world issues (e.g., e-commerce, booking systems, portfolio sites, etc.). Think about the relevance and impact of your chosen topic.
Set Up Your Development Environment:
Install XAMPP and WordPress on your local machine.
Add necessary plugins that will support your website’s functionality. These could include SEO, security, e-commerce, or form plugins depending on your project requirements.
Design Your Website:
Start drafting the layout, theme, and navigation for your site. Take screenshots as you work through this initial design phase, as they will be included in your proposal.
Write Your Proposal (Mini Thesis Draft):
Prepare a proposal that includes three main chapters: Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology. Follow the templates and outlines provided below to structure your proposal. Ensure that your proposal includes:
Title Page
Table of Contents
Dedication
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction (Background, Statement of the Proposal, Objectives, Significance)
Chapter 2: Literature Review (Introduction, Purpose, Related Literature, Conceptual Framework)
Chapter 3: Methodology (Project Implementation Plan, Steps, Research Design, Data Collection/Analysis, Timeline)
References
Submit your proposal as a PDF document by midterm. This draft will lay the foundation for your final project.
Complete the WordPress Website:
Refine and expand your website design. Focus on adding content, improving navigation, and ensuring your site is functional, responsive, and user-friendly. Ensure all the necessary plugins are functioning correctly.
Finalize Your Mini Thesis:
Update your documentation to include Chapter 4 (Results) and Chapter 5 (Discussion). Ensure your references are updated and correctly formatted.
The final document should reflect your complete process, including the website’s features, how it solves the chosen problem, and any technical challenges you faced.
Present Your Website:
You will present your WordPress site either live or through a recorded video. Demonstrate its features, explain your design choices, and highlight how it meets the project objectives.
The presentation should clearly showcase your work and the results of your efforts.
Midterm: Submit your draft proposal in PDF format by the designated midterm deadline.
Final: Submit your final WordPress website (in a zip file), mini thesis, and your presentation (live or video) by the final deadline.
Ensure all components are ready and submitted on time.
The following section provides access to example thesis papers created by students from the University of the Philippines. These papers are made available strictly for educational and reference purposes. They are intended to guide you in understanding the format, structure, and approach to writing your own mini thesis.
Please note:
Do not copy any part of these theses. Plagiarism is a serious violation of academic integrity and will not be tolerated.
Use these examples as references to inspire and inform your work, but ensure that your project is original and reflects your own understanding and effort.
Always strive to produce authentic work based on your own research, analysis, and creativity.
Template - Please Follow This Format
The websites you create should focus on functionality, user experience, and potentially solving real-world problems. Here are some website ideas that align with your field of study:
Portfolio Website
Showcase personal projects, skills, and experiences.
Highlight programming, web development, and IT-related accomplishments.
E-Commerce Website
Build a fully functional online store (e.g., clothing, gadgets, digital products).
Include features like product listing, payment integration, and user accounts.
Blog or News Website
Focus on a specific technology-related topic, such as coding, cybersecurity, or IT trends.
Include a comment section, categories, and responsive design.
Learning Management System (LMS)
Create a basic educational platform where users can register, take courses, and track progress.
Features include user registration, course modules, quizzes, and certificates.
Tech Support/Help Desk Website
Offer support for common IT-related problems or troubleshooting guides.
Include user accounts, FAQs, ticketing system, and a live chat feature.
Job Board for IT Professionals
Allow users to search and apply for IT jobs, create resumes, and contact potential employers.
Features include job postings, filters for search, and account management for both employers and applicants.
Project Management Website
Enable team collaboration on IT projects with features like task management, team chat, and file sharing.
Suitable for IT project tracking and collaboration.
IT Product Review Website
Review and compare different IT tools, gadgets, and software.
Users can rate products, leave reviews, and search for specific categories.
Forum for IT Enthusiasts
A discussion forum where IT professionals and students can ask questions, share tips, and collaborate.
Include categories, user registration, and post moderation.
Startup Landing Page
A single-page website promoting a startup or product idea related to IT.
Highlight features, testimonials, and a call-to-action for sign-ups or funding.
Online Portfolio for Freelance IT Services
A platform for freelancers offering IT services like web design, app development, or consultancy.
Includes service listings, booking features, and contact forms.
Non-Profit or Charity Website
Focus on supporting an IT-related cause, such as free coding classes for underprivileged students.
Includes donation forms, event calendars, and volunteer sign-ups.
Local Business Website
Develop a website for a local IT shop or service provider (e.g., computer repair, networking services).
Include service descriptions, contact forms, and booking systems.
Social Networking Site for Tech Communities
A smaller-scale social network where tech professionals can share knowledge, articles, and resources.
Features include user profiles, discussion boards, and messaging.
Below are the steps you should follow when deciding and designing your website using WordPress:
Step 1: Choosing the Website Purpose
Identify the Website’s Goal: Decide whether the website will be for personal use, business, education, or community engagement.
Define the Target Audience: Understand who will use the website (e.g., IT professionals, customers, students).
Select the Website Type: Choose a type from the list of ideas provided or propose a new one that fits their goals.
Step 2: Planning the Website Structure
Create a Site Map: List out the main sections/pages of the website, such as Home, About, Services, Contact, etc.
Plan User Experience (UX): Ensure easy navigation and accessibility for users (consider mobile responsiveness).
Research Similar Websites: Look at similar websites for inspiration and evaluate their design, features, and functionality.
Step 3: Setting Up WordPress
Choose a Hosting Provider: For this hosting, we will be using local hosting. Meaning, you will install wordpress on your computer using XAMPP.
Install WordPress: A document has been provided (comprehensive steps on installing XAMPP and Wordpress)
Select a Domain Name: You may think of a website title which later on can be used as your domain name.
Step 4: Selecting a Theme
Browse WordPress Themes: WordPress offers free and paid themes. Choose a theme that suits the website’s purpose (e.g., business, blog, portfolio).
Customize the Theme: Modify colors, fonts, and layouts to match the branding or style of the website.
Step 5: Installing Necessary Plugins
Install Plugins for Functionality: Common plugins include:
Elementor or WPBakery for drag-and-drop design.
WooCommerce for e-commerce.
Contact Form 7 for contact forms.
Yoast SEO for search engine optimization.
UpdraftPlus for backups.
Akismet for spam protection.
Test Plugins: Ensure the plugins work properly and don’t conflict with the theme or other plugins.
Step 6: Creating the Pages
Homepage: Introduce the website, its purpose, and a call to action.
About Page: Provide background information about the student or the project.
Additional Pages: Based on the project, create relevant pages (e.g., Services, Blog, Contact, etc.).
Menu Navigation: Ensure the menu is user-friendly and logically structured.
Step 7: Adding Content
Text Content: Write clear, concise, and relevant text for each section/page.
Media Content: Add high-quality images, videos, or infographics to enhance the visual appeal.
Internal Linking: Link relevant pages to one another to create a seamless browsing experience.
Step 8: Testing and Optimization
Test Functionality: Check all buttons, forms, and features to ensure they work correctly.
Mobile Responsiveness: Use the WordPress customizer to check and adjust the website’s appearance on mobile devices.
SEO Optimization: Use an SEO plugin (like Yoast SEO) to optimize each page for search engines. (We may not need this since this is only local install, but in the future you might consider adding this plugin)
Website Performance: Check the website’s loading speed and optimize images or use caching plugins if needed.
Step 9: Website Security and Backup
Security Measures: Install security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security.
Backup: Set up regular backups using plugins like UpdraftPlus to avoid data loss. Required to use the akeeba backup.
Step 10: Presentation and Documentation
Screenshots: Take clear screenshots of the website, including key pages and features, for the proposal documentation. Ensure the date on your PC is included in the screenshot.
Video Presentation: Record a video (if applicable) showing the website’s features and navigation, or prepare a live demo.
Final Review: Proofread all text and double-check links, forms, and functionality before submission.
Below is the whole process of installing XAMPP and Wordpress. This is also your prelim lab exam. Make sure that you have followed this and installed your own XAMPP and Wordpress.
Your final project must be presented either live or through a well-structured, informative video. Below are the specific guidelines to ensure your video meets the required standards:
Video Guidelines:
Informative and Clear – Your video should provide a clear overview of your website, demonstrating all key features and explaining how it solves a real-world problem.
Include Your Face – Make sure to introduce yourself in the video. Personal presentation is key to engaging your audience and making your project more relatable.
Incorporate Additional Footage – Support your explanation with relevant videos or references, such as:
Interviews with users or stakeholders
Screen recordings of your website’s functionalities
Footage of related places, organizations, or news reports
Credibility and Credits – Any external videos, references, data, or interviews you include must be properly credited. Ensure all materials used are from verified and credible sources.
Professional Editing – Aim for good video quality, clear audio, and smooth transitions to maintain professionalism throughout the presentation.
Length – Your video should be informative but concise, lasting between 8 to 12 minutes.
Sample Videos:
To help you understand the quality and structure expected, here are sample videos from my own projects. These videos have received perfect to high ratings from both instructors and audiences alike. Use these samples for inspiration but remember to present your unique work.
Make sure to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your video presentation reflects both your technical and communication skills.
1. Title Page
Project Title
Student Name
Instructor Name
Date of Submission
2. Table of Contents
List of Sections and Subsections with Page Numbers
3. Dedication
Optional personal dedication
4. Abstract
Brief summary of the proposal (150-200 words)
5. Introduction
Background: Overview of the project and its context
Statement of the Proposal: What the project will achieve
Objectives of the Study: Clear goals
Significance of the Study: Why this project is important
6. Literature Review
Introduction to Literature Review: Purpose of the literature review
Purpose of Reviewing: Why reviewing relevant literature is crucial
Review of Related Literature: Summarize and analyze existing works
Relevance: How the literature relates to the proposed project
Conceptual Framework: Diagram or explanation of key concepts
7. Methodology
Proposed Methodology: Methods used to achieve objectives
Project Implementation Plan: Steps to implement the website design
Research Design: Approach to collecting and analyzing data
Data Collection: How information will be gathered
Data Analysis: Methods of interpreting collected data
Timeline: Milestones and deadlines for completion
8. References
Properly formatted list of sources used in the proposal
9. Screenshots
Early design and layout of the Wordpress website draft (can be included within the methodology chapter)
1. Title Page
Project Title
Student Name
Instructor Name
Date of Submission
2. Table of Contents
Updated list of sections and subsections with page numbers
3. Dedication
Optional personal dedication
4. Abstract
Brief summary of the final project (150-200 words)
5. Introduction
Background: Overview of the project and its context
Statement of the Proposal: What the project has achieved
Objectives of the Study: Clear goals and whether they were met
Significance of the Study: The impact of the project
6. Literature Review
Introduction to Literature Review: Purpose of the literature review
Purpose of Reviewing: Why reviewing relevant literature was crucial
Review of Related Literature: Summarize and analyze relevant works
Relevance: How the literature relates to the project
Conceptual Framework: Diagram or explanation of key concepts
7. Methodology
Proposed Methodology: Recap of methods used to achieve objectives
Project Implementation Plan: Execution steps for the website design
Research Design: Approach to collecting and analyzing data
Data Collection: How information was gathered
Data Analysis: Methods of interpreting the data
Timeline: Finalized timeline with completion milestones
8. Results
Summary of Findings: Outcome of the website design and any challenges
Data Presentation: Visual aids (charts, screenshots) to support results
9. Discussion
Analysis: Interpretation of the results
Implications: What the results mean for the system integration and architecture
Limitations: Any challenges or limitations encountered
10. Conclusion
Summary of Work: Recap of the entire project
Future Recommendations: Suggestions for further improvements
11. References
Updated and properly formatted list of all sources used
12. Appendices
Screenshots: Final design and layout of the Wordpress website
Other Supporting Documentation: Any additional relevant materials
You may download the suggested plugins from here:
Final Submission Instructions:
All mini thesis, proposals, and academic papers must be submitted in the following format:
Document File: Submit a digital copy in a document file format (e.g., .docx or .pdf).
Hard Copy: Submit a physical copy, bound with a hard cover, covered in a folder, and secured with a fastener. The title of the paper must be printed on the front cover along with the names of the authors or members who contributed.
These documents will be reviewed and may be used in the library for reference by future students. This process not only enhances your skills in academic writing and deepens your knowledge on the covered topic but also contributes to the academic community. Your work will serve as a valuable resource for your peers and future students, supporting the ongoing exchange of knowledge and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Your name will be on the project, and you should take pride in contributing to a meaningful and useful resource.
Make your submission through google classroom. Go to "classwork" and submit your draft or final proposal.