317: What it's like to take part in a hackathon

317: What it's like to take part in a hackathon

Author: Charli Prangley, Femke Van Schoonhoven September 1, 2025 Duration: 29:46

Thank you to our sponsor, Framer. Ready to build a site that looks hand-coded—without hiring a developer? Start free today at framer.link/femke

Femke and Charli discuss various aspects of hackathons, including team organization and timelines, the motivations behind creating dedicated create weeks, whether projects should go live afterward, the competitive dynamics of hackathons, and provide valuable advice for companies interested in hosting their own hackathons.

Timestamps:

0:47 Episode start

01:27 Framer Sponsorship

02:43 Have you been part of hackathons before?

07:38 How can non-technical team members add value during a hackathon?

10:11 Are hackathons competitive?

11:10 Do hackathon projects typically go live? What are the next steps afterward?

12:03 Do teams intentionally save work for hackathons? Is it part of your roadmap process?

15:17 Have you seen projects die after a hackathon?

18:12 What motivated you to start these hackathons?

22:18 What advice would you give to those wanting to organise a hackathon at their company?

Links: 

A huge shoutout to our sponsor for this episode, Framer. Make sure to check them out

Femke's new community

Femke’s course “Product strategy for designers”

Share your topic suggestions for the show with us at hello@designlife.fm

 


Hosted by designers Charli Prangley and Femke Van Schoonhoven, Design Life feels like eavesdropping on a candid conversation between two friends who genuinely understand the hustle. This podcast digs into the reality of a creative career, moving beyond portfolio tips to discuss the actual challenges of making a living from your ideas. Each episode stems from their own experiences as serial side-project addicts, covering everything from navigating client negotiations and pricing your work to pushing through creative blocks and finding time for personal work. You’ll hear them dissect the intersection of design, business, and technology with a relatable, grounded perspective. The discussion they foster is particularly valuable for young creatives seeking honest advice and a sense of community, all delivered through the lens of two practitioners in the field. Tune in for a blend of practical strategy and personal reflection that focuses on building a sustainable and fulfilling design practice.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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