Overview
The article discusses the experiences of interns at LinkedIn during the 2013 Intern Hackday, highlighting their journey from brainstorming ideas to launching their startup, Scissorsfly. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, creativity, and the challenges faced during the hackathon.
What You'll Learn
1
How to effectively collaborate in a fast-paced hackathon environment
2
Why brainstorming and iteration are crucial for innovative product development
3
How to manage time and set clear milestones during a hackathon
Key Questions Answered
What inspired the creation of Scissorsfly?
The idea for Scissorsfly emerged during a brainstorming session at the LinkedIn Intern Hackday when one intern expressed a desire to tear up webpages like old newspapers. This led to the concept of creating a tool for clipping and organizing online content, which became the foundation of their startup.
What was the outcome of the Hackday project?
The Hackday project developed by the team took first place, showcasing their innovative idea to a large audience and demonstrating their ability to create a functional product in just 24 hours. This success motivated them to start their company, Scissorsfly.
What challenges did the interns face during the Hackday?
The interns faced time constraints and the pressure of competing against talented peers and celebrity judges. They overcame these challenges by dividing tasks, setting milestones, and supporting each other through technical difficulties, ultimately leading to a successful project presentation.
What are some tips for succeeding at a hackathon?
Key tips include teaming up with developers from diverse backgrounds, familiarizing oneself with necessary tools before the event, and being prepared to push personal limits. These strategies help maximize productivity and creativity during the hackathon.
Key Statistics & Figures
Repository commits
5120
This number reflects the team's dedication and effort in developing their product, Scissorsfly, over time.
Task tickets
289
This statistic indicates the volume of work and challenges the team managed during their startup journey.
Milestones achieved
13
These milestones represent significant progress points in the development of Scissorsfly, showcasing the team's growth and commitment.
Key Actionable Insights
1Encourage team collaboration by assigning specific roles based on individual strengths.This approach not only enhances productivity but also fosters a supportive environment where team members can thrive, especially in high-pressure situations like hackathons.
2Set clear milestones to manage time effectively during a hackathon.By breaking down the project into smaller, achievable goals, teams can maintain focus and motivation, ensuring they make the most of the limited time available.
3Embrace creativity and iteration in the idea development phase.Allowing for brainstorming and playful exploration of ideas can lead to innovative solutions that might not surface under strict constraints.
Common Pitfalls
1
Underestimating the importance of preparation before a hackathon.
Many participants may arrive without adequate knowledge of necessary tools, which can hinder their ability to contribute effectively. Preparing in advance ensures that team members can hit the ground running.