Hackathons as experiential learning platforms for engineering design skills

During hackathons, students energetically collaborate in teams, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to tackle real-world challenges in a tight timeframe. Understanding the factors behind student learning in hackathons is essential to harness their educational potential. Recent research has examined this issue, yet limited focus has been on how hackathons impact participants’ design skills. Can hackathons be seen as experiential learning activities that enhance Engineering Design skills? This study offers a general approach to uncover evidence of engineering design processes in hackathons, built on a conceptual framework rooted in classic Engineering Design references. Applied in a nationwide hackathon with 127 students from 16 universities, data were collected through surveys from 22 participants. The findings suggest that hackathons not only enable participants to apply engineering design skills but also foster their development in an experiential setting. Additionally, the convergence of competition, time pressure, and an engaging environment creates a stimulating atmosphere that significantly drives skill development and enhances the overall educational experience. This research concludes that hackathons serve as valuable platforms for experiential learning among engineering students, particularly in nurturing their potential as designers. Consequently, formulating ways to integrate or blend regular design courses with hackathons can produce further educational advantages.