Overview
The article discusses the Netflix Hack Day event held in Winter 2017, highlighting the creativity and innovation of the product development team as they experiment with new technologies and collaborate on various projects. It features several unique hacks developed during the event, showcasing a blend of fun and functional ideas.
What You'll Learn
1
How to create innovative projects during hackathons
2
Why collaboration fosters creativity in tech teams
3
When to leverage hack days for product development
Key Questions Answered
What is the purpose of Netflix Hack Day?
Netflix Hack Day serves as an opportunity for the product development team to take a break from regular work, experiment with new technologies, and collaborate with colleagues on creative projects. It encourages innovation and allows team members to explore ideas that may not fit into their usual workflow.
What types of projects were showcased during the Winter 2017 Hack Day?
The Winter 2017 Hack Day featured a variety of projects including 'Stranger Bling', which is a sweater with LEDs controlled by Arduino, 'MindFlix', which allows navigation of Netflix using a Muse headband, and 'Netflix for Good', enabling donations to organizations related to socially conscious titles. These projects highlight both fun and functional aspects of technology.
Technologies & Tools
Hardware
Arduino
Used in the 'Stranger Bling' project to control LEDs on a sweater.
Key Actionable Insights
1Encourage team members to participate in hack days to foster innovation.Hack days provide a structured environment for creativity, allowing engineers to explore new ideas and technologies without the constraints of their daily responsibilities.
2Consider implementing fun projects that may not directly impact the product but enhance team morale.Projects like 'Stranger Bling' can boost team spirit and collaboration, leading to a more engaged workforce.
Common Pitfalls
1
Underestimating the value of creative projects during hack days.
Many teams may focus solely on productivity, missing out on the benefits of innovation and team bonding that come from creative exploration.
Related Concepts
Hackathons
Team Collaboration
Innovation In Technology