This is an undergraduate project. The amount and nature of research which you carry out and the level of innovation in your product should be commensurate with that.
Having produced and assessed your product you will have built up a body of practical experience which should complement that obtained during your work placement. In addition, your reflection upon that process and the research you do towards it will build on your academic skills which will also help you in your future career.
Alan Dix 12/8/97