Capstone project — Automating a process end to end — from collection to app
- Goal: build a complete no-code chain around a real need from your work (lead management, request tracking, mini-CRM), applying each level — from data collection to a shareable app.
- Material: the No-code cheat sheet below (tool families, concepts and best practices) to keep at hand.
- Method: one step per level. Pick the right tool at each link, connect everything, and measure the time saved.
⬇️ Download the No-code cheat sheet (TXT)
Step 0 · Level 0 — Frame (L0)
Pick a repetitive process to automate, describe it (trigger, rules, current time) and check it's a good candidate (stable, with clear rules). Note the precautions (sensitive data?).
Step 1 · Level 1 — Organize (L1)
In Notion, create a workspace: a database to track the process (statuses, deadlines, owners), with several views (Table, Kanban, Calendar).
Step 2 · Level 2 — Structure data (L2)
Model the "data" part in Airtable: linked tables (e.g. Contacts ↔ Requests), typed fields, a few formulas (status/delay) and an Interface or input form.
Step 3 · Level 3 — Automate (L3)
With Make or Zapier, create the scenario: a trigger (submitted form / new email) → actions (create the row, notify), with a filter and a router per case.
Step 4 · Level 4 — Add intelligence (L4)
Integrate an AI step (summarize/classify a request) and secure: protected secrets (keys outside the scenario), error handling (retry, alert). Bonus: a mini-RAG or a framed agent.
Step 5 · Level 5 — Deliver & measure (L5)
Publish an app (Glide/Softr from Airtable, or a Bubble page) or a pro form (Tally), measure ROI (time saved) and document the workflow (role, trigger, owner, recovery plan).
Success criteria
- A clearly framed process (trigger, rules, estimated time saved) and a good automation candidate.
- Structured data: Notion database and/or relational Airtable base (linked tables, typed fields, formulas), with clean input (form/interface).
- A working automation (trigger → actions) with conditional logic (filter/router), secured (protected secrets) and robust (error handling); AI bonus.
- A usable deliverable (connected app or form), measured ROI and a documented workflow (minimal governance).