Hackathon (Build Prototypes)


Want to easily set up a Hackathon event? Our Hackathon app is hackathon software to collect project submissions, rapidly build teams, and manage an entire event—all online.

Read below to learn more about this process and how to progress through the pipeline.

To learn more about Hackathons as a process and what you can accomplish by running a Hackathon check out our Hackathon definition and Guide here.

 

Table of Contents

 

Getting Started

  • To quickly recap on how to create your Hackathon event, navigate to your Apps screen, and select the Hackathon solution.

 

  • Once there select 'Set Up a Hackathon Event"
  • Fill out your title, description, audience to complete the wizard.

Event Homepage

Initial Customization

Once you create your new Hackathon event, you will be brought to your Hackathon site home page.

Here, you can update the site hero imagechange your submission form, and more! Note that if you are running an External Hackathon, you will want to update several configuration elements, please check the KBA on that here

This event homepage can also be update to use our Event Site [BETA], read more to find out if that updated UX/UI works for you!

 

Participant Onboarding 

For our Hackathon event, we also have a robust Participant Onboarding, find more information on that capability here


Initial Configuration


Pipeline Setup 

  • After successfully creating your Hackathon you will see that it comes with preconfigured stages and steps:
  • To navigate there, select Admin --> Manage Pipeline
  • The Hackathon backend pipeline configuration has enhanced steps and stages to make the most out of your event. 
  • Click through the playbook found within the Startup Wizard for details on the process.

 

Status & Categories 

  • Default status have been sent within the pipeline, based on the recommended flows 
  • Use Categories to help identify the groups or themes within your Hackathon event 

 

Evaluation & Tool Types 

Default Tool Types

Your event will come configured with several tool types. These can be adjusted, and edited to align with your current event process. Detailed information can be found here

The default configuration includes: 

  • Rate Submissions Step 
    • This is set to a single scale 
    • Can be used as initial data point to evaluate submissions incoming
  • Initial Round Selection Step 
    • This is set to a scorecard evaluation type 
    • Add additional scorecards + steps if you are having multiple rounds of evaluation prior to final project presentations 
  • Final Judging Step 
    • This is set to the judging tool type

 

 

Tips for Managing the Evaluation Process 

  • Use custom ordering to set and align the order for evaluations that align with the in-person or remote presentations. More information can be found here
  • Add navigation to your event site for evaluators to more easily land on their open action items. 
  • More information can be found here
  • Use the ad hoc email communication tool to remind, coordinate, and triage work throughout the Hackathon. More information can be found here

Team Building

Participant Search

Our Hackathon solution focuses on team building and user engagement as a pivotal element of success. We have a robust participant page where end users can help find teammates, searching by certifications, expertise, etc. 

Project Application Process 

On specific projects, users can apply to join the team, and teammates can review applications and accept or reject. for more information to walk through those capabilities, click here. 

Team Collaboration

Project Room

Project Room solves the need to augment, track, and better define an Idea within your Hackathon. Invite team members across the organization to participate and collaborate, consolidate assets across the platform, and manage your projects and action items with ease. The task feature allows you to assign tasks to team members, track due dates, and monitor progress through status updates. To learn more about Brightidea's Project Room feature, check out this support article.

Screenshot 2024-09-04 at 7.05.50 PM.png

 

Brightidea Whiteboard

Brightidea Whiteboard allows users to collaborate and brainstorm ideas in real-time. Users can create and share multiple whiteboards within Brightidea, providing your team with a digital space to innovate together at any time. To learn more about leveraging Brightidea's Whiteboard, check out this support article.

Screenshot 2024-09-04 at 6.13.28 PM.png

 

 

Our Expert Coaches

Get answer to your questions in real-time. Call on our experiences coaches as an extension of your team to help with anything from strategy, planning, event site setup, workflow configuration, and site customization. Our experts are here to support your event from the initial stages of planning to the day-of participant and event management, ensuring a seamless and successful experience. Reach out to your customer success rep to find out more!

 

Please comment below with any questions or feedback, Happy Innovating!

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Comments

  • Avatar
    Rob Russillo

    Hello Brightidea,
    Can you tell me more about the 'Participants', 'FAQs', 'News', and 'Messages' tabs, and how they can be edited? Specifically, can the 'Participants' page be edited like the idea boards page? And, who can post News? Is that an admin-only option? Also, where/who would you get messages from, and how do you send them?
    Thanks!