In the ever-evolving world of technology, innovation is key. To foster creativity and teamwork, our digital team recently embarked on an exciting journey: our very first hackathon. This event was not just about coding; it was about bringing together diverse minds to solve user problems, learn new skills, and build something amazing from scratch, demonstrating the impact that agile ways of working can have and the value that can be delivered in just a small period of time.
Setting the Stage
The anticipation was palpable as we prepared for the hackathon. The theme was “Digital Transformation,” and the goal was to develop solutions that could enhance our feature capabilities for the new MyExeter app. Teams were formed, each comprising members with varied expertise – from developers and designers to scrum masters and data analysts. This diversity was our strength, ensuring a holistic approach to problem-solving.
The Kickoff
The hackathon kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Lucy Antysz our sponsor AWS Relationship Manager, who emphasised the importance of innovation and collaboration. We also had a lighting talk on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and how these technologies can support the delivery of University Services. We were reminded that this event was not just a competition but an opportunity to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what we could achieve together.
Brainstorming and Ideation
With the clock ticking, teams dived into brainstorming sessions. Ideas flowed freely, and the energy in the room was electric. We used various tools like mural and sticky notes to capture and refine our ideas. The focus was on identifying pain points in our Students lives at University and envisioning creative solutions.
Development and Prototyping
Once the ideas were solidified, it was time to get down to business. Laptops were fired up, and the coding marathon began. Teams worked tirelessly to turn their ideas into functional prototypes. The atmosphere was a blend of intense concentration and collaborative spirit, with team members constantly bouncing ideas off each other and troubleshooting issues together.
Mentorship and Support
Throughout the hackathon, we had access to mentors – experienced professionals from who provided guidance and feedback. Their insights were invaluable, helping us navigate challenges and refine our solutions. This mentorship aspect was crucial, as it ensured that we were not just building something new but also something viable and impactful.
The Final Pitch
After 12 hours of non-stop innovation, it was time to present our creations. Each team had a few minutes to pitch their solution to a panel of judges, comprising Digital Leadership Team (Chris Frost – Digital Transformation Head, Nathan Burden – Head of IT Services, Lucy Antysz from AWS, Helen Cocks – Digital Strategy Head, Mariano Sanchez Luppi – BI Head and Neil Roden – Engineering Head). The presentations were a testament to the hard work and creativity of the teams.
Here are the innovative solutions we got from the hackathon:
- Improving accessibility and navigation around the University campus with immersive maps
- A one stop shop for vendors and Students to buy and sell items, especially items that support learning and those Students staying in halls of residence
- Personalised event recommendations for Students
- And one for internal colleagues – an application to support personal and professional goal setting and tracking
Celebrating Success
In the end, every team was a winner! The hackathon concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing the most innovative solutions and the teams that demonstrated exceptional teamwork and creativity. But beyond the awards, the real success was in the experience itself – the skills we learned, the bonds we formed, and the innovative spirit we ignited.
Our first digital team hackathon was a resounding success. It showcased the power of collaboration and the incredible potential of our team. As we move forward, we are excited to implement some of the solutions developed during the hackathon and continue fostering a culture of innovation. This event was just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what we will achieve next.
Here are some quotes from people involved in the hackathon to bring to life its’ success:
– Written by Priyanka Mittal, Scrum Master