The Dream! Hack! Build! Method

In this chapter, we will dive further into the three-step citizen-driven innovation process – Dream! Hack! Build – which is a much more impactful way to drive innovation than merely hosting a single hackathon event.

Dream! Hack! Build! encompasses inviting employees, customers, and partner organizations to co-create, fostering engagement, seeing diverse perspectives, and aligning important global missions such as the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Communication and storytelling are key for engagement and showcasing dedication to citizen-driven innovation. Partnerships with other organizations are an important factor in creating impactful solutions and demonstrating sustainability leadership, and this is something we will briefly cover in this chapter.

More in-depth coverage of the different parts of the Dream! Hack! Build! method will be covered in the subsequent chapters; this chapter is a short overview of the Dream...

Why the Dream! Hack! Build! method is more impactful than merely hosting a single hackathon event

Inviting your employees, customers, and partner organizations to engage with the Dream! Hack! Build! method is essentially inviting them to co-author a transformative narrative regarding your area. This interactive approach transcends conventional one-directional communication, offering a rich, multi-layered dialogue instead, with the collective aim of forging something of greater worth than individual parts can achieve alone. The magic of this method lies in the investment of personal resources: time, creativity, and effort. When individuals and organizations contribute these assets, they inherently place a higher value on the results of their labor.

By involving various stakeholders, your organization is not only showing reverence for their contributions but also displaying a keen interest in their diverse perspectives. This inclusivity signals a willingness to explore novel ideas...

The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Today’s global landscape is fraught with complex challenges, and as the clock ticks forward, the window for meaningful action narrows. Bridging the gap between various core groups – employees, customers, and wider audiences – around the pivotal cause of a sustainable future is not just beneficial; it’s imperative. The Dream! Hack! Build! method is a hands-on approach that unites these disparate groups in the pursuit of practical solutions that benefit both your organization and the planet’s future.

The SDGs, conceived by United Nations member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, represent a comprehensive framework aimed at achieving a harmonious balance between human prosperity and the planet’s well-being today and for the generations to come. These goals are the collective commitment of UN member states to be fulfilled by the year 2030, and their...

Understanding the Dream! Hack! Build! method

“The efficacy of any methodology is intrinsically tied to the proficiency with which it is communicated;” this encapsulates the profound importance of clear and compelling communication, storytelling, and partnerships in any business endeavor. These elements are particularly crucial when it comes to the Dream! Hack! Build! method, where each facet of the approach hinges on the ability to effectively convey ideas, narratives, and shared values.

At the forefront of implementing the Dream! Hack! Build! method must be a strategic communication plan that is not just an afterthought but a central component, crafted with precision and tailored to resonate across various channels and platforms. It demands a harmonization of speed, adaptability, and consistency to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of audience engagement.

In this comprehensive section, we will embark on a deep dive into the art and science of storytelling...

The ABC of a hackathon’s success

Navigating the intricacies of a hackathon’s success involves adherence to key steps that, while straightforward, are absolutely crucial to ensuring a favorable outcome. These steps, the ABCs of hackathon planning and execution, are simple in concept yet indispensable for the result you aspire to achieve with your event. Ensure that these pillars are at the forefront of your hackathon strategy to secure the desired outcome.

• Start by envisioning the outcome you wish to achieve: The journey of a successful hackathon begins with a vision. Envision the outcome you are striving for. Visualize the day following the hackathon’s conclusion: What have you achieved? Who has been impacted? What innovations have emerged? This forward-looking vision will serve as your blueprint for designing a hackathon that aligns seamlessly with your objectives, helping you navigate through the plethora of details and keeping you on track. This imagined...

Summary

This chapter provides comprehensive guidance on organizing a successful hackathon process adhering to citizen-driven innovation, using the Dream! Hack! Build! method. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and envisioning the desired outcome right from the start. Having a small, efficient core team with defined roles is crucial for effective communication and decision-making throughout the planning and execution process.

The chapter highlights the significance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for participants. Encouraging diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or expertise, is essential for fostering innovation and creativity. Providing mentorship and resources to participants can further enhance their experience and help them overcome any challenges they may encounter during the hackathon.

Overall, this chapter provides an overview of planning, executing, and fostering a successful...