🎛️ Customize Your Build
📖 How to Use PickettBuild
Set Your Filters
Use the dropdowns to narrow projects by skill level, how much time you have, your budget, and which platform you own (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or no microcontroller at all). You can also tap category chips — like Audio or IoT — to filter by topic. Select as many chips as you like.
Generate or Get Surprised
Click ⚡ Generate Projects to see everything matching your filters. Not sure where to start? Hit 🎲 Surprise Me! to get three random projects from the full database — great for breaking out of a comfort zone.
Browse the Cards
Each card shows the project name, skill badge (green = beginner, orange = intermediate, red = advanced), estimated build time, rough cost, a short description, and the key components needed. Use the sort bar at the top to reorder by level, time, or cost.
Open Full Build Details
Click View Full Details → on any card to open the detail panel. Inside you'll find the complete components list, a step-by-step build guide, a list of skills you'll learn, and extension challenges to push the project further once the basics work.
Start Building!
Gather the components, open the step-by-step guide, and get building. Don't worry if something doesn't work first time — debugging is half the learning! Head to PickettSim to prototype your circuit before buying parts, and use PickettBread for layout help.
Tips for Beginners
Always start with the LED Brightness Controller or Traffic Light Simulator — they use parts you likely already have. Build on breadboard first, solder later. Read the full component list before ordering so you get everything in one delivery. And check PickettDaily to build the theory knowledge alongside the practical work.