Samuel Oliphant - Versus Virus Hackathon

Samuel Oliphant, a reporter with The English Show, had a fulfilling experience participating in the Versus Virus Hackathon. The virtual Hackathon had the opportunity to work with 5000 people from all over the world, collaborating on solutions to problems created by the global Covid-19 Pandemic. Supported by over 50 sponsors, the Hackathon divided people into over 100 teams working on specific issues confronting populations. Sam's team was specifically focused on "Destressing Parents During Covid-19". The process he was involved with ultimately led to a proposal for a Stress Tracking app that made it easy for even tech-phobic users to constructively use technology to manage their stress. Read his complete report below:

Hackathon 2020: Destressing Parents during Covid-19

Switzerland. The weekend saw a sum of 5000 people stretching from Hawaii to India congregate online to solve issues which have arisen from the global Pandemic, Coronavirus. The initiative was an attempt to solve over 100 local challenges through online discussion and solutions, such as creating online playgrounds for children stuck in quarantine, and how to stabilize the economy as quickly as possible once the Pandemic slows down. This was supported by the Swiss government, who had over 50 sponsors funding the event, including FC Zürich and Logitech. Furthermore, the Versus Virus team provided participants with resources and mentors which could be used in order to be successful within the process. Additionally, technological classes, updates on what specific teams were doing, pitching methods, how to find inspiration and so much more were also available.

With regards to freetime, despite there being a lack of it, the team made it as fun as possible during these tough times of Social Distancing. They were providing online concerts and online discos which allowed the participants not only to have some free time, but to have some fun and to relax. The team also managed to provide the participants with a talk from the Swiss Health Minister, Alain Berset who has been at the centre of swiss news during the outbreak of Coronavirus.

As an embedded journalist, I was placed within a group working on the challenge of surviving confinement during these extraordinary times. Members of the group were drawn from experiences within technological and online education, psychiatry and medical, and communications.More specifically there was a focus on stress and the ways in which it can be reduced or prevented amongst parents. The process was separated into different developmental stages in order to create a sustainable outcome for parents who are stressed. The general idea was to set up a communication platform which parents could use in order to express their feelings with others.

Prototyping was a major step which all groups conducted in order to reach the outcome. From videos, to storyboards, to physical objects created with lego, this all helped paint the picture to the group what the end goal was going to be. This allowed members of the team to start spitballing ideas for what the app could look like, how people can become connected over the app, and scenarios in which the app could be used. As the team had a technological officer, he created the app, with all the relevant details which were discussed within the Prototyping session. Later sessions saw the app being produced, and planning for the branding began. Ideas over the name were a mix of integrating english with german, making sure the message of the app came through, and it was striking. For example a few ideas consisted of, “Projekt Konnekt”, and “Miternand”. After a couple of hours of relaxation, and brainstorming the name of Reach Out was put forward. With the app allowing people to be mentors to others who are struggling with stress, and the people suffering with stress seeking guidance, it would make sense that people reach out for help.

The final day saw the final parts of the project being pieced together. This consisted of the colour scheme for the App, the Logo, and final documents which needed to be submitted to the organizers of the event. Once all work was submitted, a member of the team stated; “We learned a lot, we learned we could do it online.” This related to the problem which we had found a solution to, and the fact that these ever evolving times with regards to technology have supported the team when finding the solution, and that everyone can use technology even if you don’t use it too often.