Buch, Englisch, 232 Seiten, Print PDF, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm
Why Hackathons Work and How to Organize One
Buch, Englisch, 232 Seiten, Print PDF, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm
ISBN: 978-0-231-21468-1
Verlag: Columbia University Press
Hackathons—participatory gatherings in which people with various backgrounds and experiences come together to address a challenge or create something new in a limited period of time—have become an important part of today’s technological, social, and business landscapes. They originated in IT and have since spread into other fields including medicine, law, biology, environment, education, and civic engagement. How and why can hackathons drive innovation? How can they challenge the status quo? What role can they play in an organization’s strategy? Under what conditions are hackathons most effective, and what are their limitations?
Maciej Rys—a hackathon leader and scholar with extensive experience in the field—offers a step-by-step guide to organizing successful hackathons and understanding their dynamics. He examines the evolution of hackathons from niche programming marathons to versatile platforms fostering technological advancements, entrepreneurial ventures, and social change. Drawing on extensive research, including observations and interviews from dozens of events worldwide, this book provides data-driven insights into the hackathon ecosystem. Rys shares practical lessons for organizers, participants, and mentors ranging from planning to inclusivity through sustaining momentum afterward, emphasizing both individual and group levels. Readers will learn how to build better hackathons that attract more participants, and they will gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of innovation. For both hackathon veterans and those new to the field, Sparks for Innovation helps readers develop new skills, discover new possibilities, and achieve new breakthroughs.
