Modeled on Hackathons across the tech industry, I and a team planned and executed a two-day Hackathon event at my company. The framework went on to be used by numerous business units as a model for collaborative creation. It’s a great tool for creating an innovative culture at your workplace too!
hack·a·thon ˈhakəˌTHän (noun)
In the traditional sense, a Hackathon is an event, typically lasting several days, in which a large number of people meet to engage in collaborative computer programming.
But it’s more than that too.
At it’s broadest, a Hackathon is a framework for collaborative creation – that may include programming but could also include strategic thought, application of Lean or Six Sigma principles, or other form of iterative value creation. Programmers and non-programmers alike can hack away at any problem and build any solution.
Here’s some tips for collaborative creation. If you’d like the full Hackathon-in-a-Box resource, contact me:
- Clearly define the problem
- Find common ground by solving an easy aspect of the problem first
- Employ the power of the phrase “Yes, and…”
- View the project as a team effort. This sounds simple, but group ownership of ideas builds consensus quickly
- Individually, remember the solution can look different than what you expected
- Communicate clearly, honestly, and compassionately
Good Luck!