I have a million ideas for possible features I could add to the alarm clock, but I figure it's best to start by implementing a simple, complete, working alarm clock, and later add extra devices to it in a modular fashion. For example, I've assembled a DS1307 Real-Time Clock (RTC) module with a battery backup, an input module (using a 74HC165 shift register), as well as some pushbuttons and a speakers with molex connectors: Once I complete a power supply module, a few extra pushbuttons with connectors and a main board for the microcontroller, the alarm clock will essentially be complete as far as the hardware goes.