A Non-Coders Guide to Hackathons
Calling all aspiring designers, writers, product managers, creatives, and more! This guide will show you how you can participate in a hackathon (and win) without writing one line of code.
This article is adapted from my workshop, which you can watch here on TechTogether’s Youtube channel.
What is a hackathon?
Hackathons are events where you can make a software or hardware project (functional or just a mockup) that typically solves a challenge provided by the hackathon organizing team. Anyone of all ages, skill-sets, and career backgrounds can attend (and win) a hackathon.
Hackathon Perks for Non-Coders
I’m not here to lie to you. The majority of folks that attend hackathons are computer science majors, aspiring coders, and/or individuals looking to obtain technical skill-sets.
However, that doesn’t mean non-coders can’t get value out of attending a hackathon. Below are some hackathon perks for non-coders.
#1 Recruiting: Not being a coder helps you stand out to the recruiters and mentors at the event. If a recruiter at a hackathon meets 100 coders and one designer, who do you think they are going to remember?
#2 Resume Builder: Hackathon projects are key to demonstrating your skills to recruiters and help you get hands-on experience you can refer to in interviews.
#3 Awards: Hackathon awards help your resume stand out.
#4 Discounts: You can often get discounts at hackathons for design and project management software.
#5 Swag: Free swag, who doesn’t want it?
Hacker Stereotypes for Non-Coders
Don’t let these common hackathon myths fuel your self-doubt and pre-hackathon nerves.
Myth #1 — Hackathon projects are all about coding.
Myth #2 — I won’t learn new skills or have fun at a hackathon since I can’t code.
Myth #3 — My non-coder talents are not useful at a hackathon.
Myth #4 — I won’t be able to find a team because I can’t code.
What you perceive as your weakness is actually your greatest strength. Coders need non-coders like designers, researchers, project managers to build (winning) hackathon projects and since there are few of you all that attend hackathons, your talents are in high demand! #mindblown
How can I contribute to a project at a hackathon?
So, if you can’t code — what can you do? Well, you can do a lot of helpful things on a team. Below are a few suggestions.
Project Manager — Come up with the problem your hackathon will address and help your team come up with a solution. During the hackathon, make sure your team stays on track to finish the project.
Designer — Create the wireframe and high fidelity mockups for the coders on your team to use as a roadmap.
Presenter — Craft a compelling pitch for the judges that effectively showcases the value and creativity of your project.
Researcher — Identify problems that your team could solve and source information that could help your team improve your hack.
What should I look for in a team?
It is very common to switch teams if your first team selection doesn’t work out. If your first team selection doesn’t end up respecting your skills or ends up going in a different direction with your project, don’t give up hope. There are likely 10+ other teams that would love to have you on their team.
Tip #1 — They value the skills you can bring to the team.
Tip #2 — They want to get the same thing out of the hackathon.
Tip #3 — They are open to new ideas and listening to new perspectives.
What should I look for in a hackathon as a non-coder?
Tip #1 — Hackathons with challenges that are not coding-centric. Many hackathons will have design or business-centric challenges.
Tip #2 — Hackathons with a shitty judging rubric. Make sure you are attending a hackathon that isn’t just looking for technically difficult projects.
Tip #3 — Hackathons that have non-technical workshops and mentors.
It is okay to email hackathons and ask them if they have any of the following three things!
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