What is a Designathon?

A Designathon is a design sprint which aims to investigate a challenge and propose possible solutions. It takes place over a dedicated 32 hour period. Participants are organised into teams which will participate in the challenge. The design process is facilitated by a group of experts.

Teams will be required to:

  • Define the minimum viable proposition (MVP) to solve the design challenge
  • Design the brand for the MVP
  • Build a prototype to bring the MVP to life

The evaluation and prize giving happens directly after the design sprint.

How do you participate?

Step 1: Form a team. Assemble a group of between 3-7 people (preferably with diverse complimentary skills) that you believe would be best suited to assist in solving the design challenge.

Step 2: Register your team. Enter a team and motivate why they should be selected to participate. Agree to the terms and conditions for participation.

Step 3: Teams selections. Teams will be selected for participation in the Designathon based on the submissions and motivations received. Qualifying teams will be notified and the design brief distributed for review.

Step 4: Designathon participation. Selected teams will participate in the Designathon event which will take place over a 32 hour period in the UJ FADA Building.

Step 5: Evaluation and prize-giving. Participants will present their work at the end of the Designathon. The evaluators will assess the work and announce the winners and prizes will be awarded immediately.

Relevant Dates

Entries Open:
10th May 2019
Entries Close:
Midnight 20th May 2019
Team Selection:
22nd May 2019
Brief Distributed:
22nd May 2019
Designathon Event:
Commences at 09:00 on the 24th May and ends 22:00 on the 25th May 2019