What is the purpose of a hackathon?

Hackathons are not single-purpose events, but rather multifaceted opportunities for both the host organization(s) and participants to achieve a diverse set of objectives. Some of the most common applications for the host(s) include; discovering business solutions, accelerated product/service launch, staff training and engagement, canvassing for new talent, and improved developer relations.

What happens during a hackathon?

A hackathon is a versatile competition that brings together creative thinkers to solve various problems in a predetermined (typically short) amount of time. There is a wide variety of hackathon event structures but the typical framework is as follows; 1. The event challenges, objectives, rules, parameters and timelines are clearly defined by the host organization(s), 2. Members from ideal/target demographics are invited and encouraged to participate, 3. Participants form teams of 4-6 people, 4. Teams work to find creative solutions to the challenge and build a prototype of their concept, 5. Once complete teams demonstrate their product to a panel of expert judges, 6. Winners are announced and prizes awarded, the organizer announces the winning team

Why is it called a hackathon?

The term “hackathon” is an amalgamation (more formally known as a portmanteau) of the words “hacker” and “marathon”. A “hacker” generally refers to computer programmers, designers, innovators, and other domain experts. The marathon component is derived from the short time frame in which most hackathons are structured. Challenges typically push participants to work for extended hours without sleep in order to complete their prototype. The term hackathon was first coined in Calgary, Canada, on June 4, 1999 for the OpenBSD Hackathon. Check out our article What is a Hackathon?

How long is a hackathon?

Typically hackathons run for 24-48 hours depending on the expected outcome, however some extend beyond this typical frame if more extensive prototyping is needed.

How do I prepare for my first hackathon?

1. Study and explore previous hackathons by the host organization and winning solutions. These insights will help you to anticipate the types of challenges you’ll face, 2. Determine where to find the resources you will need during the hackathon, 3. Learn how to effectively work in teams, by attributing the right task to the individual with the correct skillset, 4. Explore and research the host organization’s industry

Are hackathons worth it?

Hackathons offer added value to both organizers and attendees. They are a great option when looking to find and assess business solutions, work with startups, train your staff, build a talent pool or launch a new product/service. As an attendee it’s a chance to network with others in similar fields, bring your ideas to life, learn new skills, or push outside your comfort zone and improve your skills.

Who can take part in Hackathon?

Each hackathon is unique and may or may not have specific prerequisites. Some events are open to anyone interested, while others may be specific to students, those with particular certifications or credentials, for example. It’s best to explore the guidelines before registering.

4 Fun Ideas for Hackathon Projects

Posted on

September 1, 2022

What's one of the hardest things about a hackathon? If you said coming up with original, fun project ideas, you are correct. These ideas can help you win a competition or utterly lose it, so that's why it is so vital that you know how to come up with good ideas.

That said, if you're here today looking for fun hackathon project ideas to get that top prize, here are a few you can think about:
‍

1. Applying Augmented Reality Technology on Something Boring

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on top of a user's view of the real world, thus providing an enhanced, enriched experience. AR is already used in numerous places such as games, museums, and even as a means to display medical data.

Now that you know what AR is, how about you harness this amazing technology and apply it to something that has nothing to do with AR? In other words, how about you take something boring and make it fun using AR? Take a boring product and make it come to life using AR. For example, you can use AR to make boring items like pens and bottles come to life!
‍

2. Developing a Hackathon-Specific App

Right now, apps and mobile phones are a part of the modern workplace. Mobile apps are used everywhere, even in the workplace. Employees are using their smartphones to access all kinds of data, from files and data to business applications and communication services. Most of these apps help employees do their jobs more efficiently.

However, if you look around your surroundings, you'll notice that all the mobile applications are pretty much alike. But that doesn't have to be the case. You can take this opportunity to develop an app at a hackathon that no one's ever seen before or even thought of. This idea can be a solid hackathon project idea, especially if you have the necessary technical skills to make it happen.
‍

3. Redesigning Something in Dire Need of a Redesign

Designing a mobile app may not be your thing, but that doesn't mean you can't still get involved in the hackathon. Look around you and try to find something that could use a design revamp and make it happen.

If you're struggling to find something that needs a design revamp, why not take a look at popular websites and then redesign them? Can you come up with something better than what they have now? If you can, then you've got a fantastic hackathon project idea.
‍

4. Building an App Around the Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that describes how physical objects and the Internet and communication technologies are more and more connected to each other. In other words, you can think of IoT as a concept wherein any object can be connected and controlled over the Internet.

If you're interested in developing an app that's connected to IoT, why not use the hackathon as an opportunity to put this idea into practice?
‍

Put On Your Creative Cap!

If you find it hard to come up with ideas, don't worry because you're in good company. You see, not every great idea or invention came from watching and waiting to strike. Some of the best ideas are born out of necessity. So, take a look around, find something you need, and then fix it. Being innovative is about making the most out of what you have, so use your hackathon as an opportunity to be innovative!
‍
Hackathon.com is the largest hackathon community in the world, connecting millions of online members around the world. Host a corporate hackathon or find an online event today!

You Might Also Like