Programme and Schedule

Developing a program and schedule for the event

1. Define the challenge: Start by defining the broad challenge that participants will be working on during the Makeathon. Be clear about the problem that needs to be solved, the resources available, and the expected outcomes. 💡 Note: At MTF makeathons, designing the specific challenge is typically a central part of the activity for students. This way, they can come up with a problem to work on that engages them and addresses their interests directly.

2. Set a timeframe: Set a timeframe for the Makeathon based on the challenge and the number of participants. Consider the amount of time needed for ideation, prototyping, testing, and presentation. Make sure to also include breaks and time for participants to rest and recharge.

3. Define the program: Define the program for the Makeathon, including any workshops, talks, or activities that will take place. Short, inspirational talks from relevant experts and aspirational figures can prompt the students to expand their thinking in new directions and can inject energy into the ideation and prototyping phases. Consider the level your participants are currently and design the program accordingly. It should be challenging, but not frustrating or too advanced. Make sure to also include time for team building and networking and bear in mind that presentations will ALWAYS take longer than you think they will. 💡 If student groups are each to be given 5 minutes to present their project, then allow for 10 in the schedule. It ALWAYS takes longer than you think. Changeovers are slow, people need time to plug their laptops into the projector, and so on.

4. Create a schedule: Create a schedule for the Makeathon that outlines the program and the timeframe. Be sure to communicate the schedule to participants before the event and provide them with a copy of the schedule at the start of the Makeathon. This doesn’t need to be too detailed, but students find it helpful to know when to expect things to take place.

5. Be flexible: Be prepared to be flexible with the schedule and program during the Makeathon. Participants may need more time than anticipated for a certain activity, or they may want to skip a certain aspect of the event. Be ready to make adjustments to the schedule to accommodate their needs.

6. Communicate regularly: Communicate regularly with participants during the Makeathon to keep them informed about any changes to the schedule or program. Use announcements, emails, and chat programmes such as Discord to keep the participants up-to-date.

7. Provide support: Provide support to participants throughout the Makeathon. Have mentors and experts available to help with any technical or creative challenges - or simply provide a sounding board to listen to ideas and make suggestions. Make sure they have access to the necessary resources and materials.