Hackathon
An interactive screen to engage Peterborough citizensTHE CHALLENGE
Digital technology and the growing digital culture has changed the way people access information. Peterborough citizens, along with residents in towns and cities throughout Europe, often feel passive in the community and don’t know how to get involved.
An interactive screen in the city centre to share information about Peterborough was an obvious solution but, with a plethora of data available, what did our citizens want from the screen?
THE SOLUTION
The ‘challenge’ was posted online to our community through the Brainwave Innovation portal. A team of digital experts from Peterborough-based comparethemarket.com offered to develop a collaborative ‘Hackathon’ to design the content for the screen.
A wide range of Peterborough citizens were consulted and the most popular features have been developed including: Citizen Vote, Treasure Hunts, What’s On Calendar, Feedback and Selfies. The next phase will consist of a Juke Box playing music created by local people.
THE RESULTS
A group of digital experts formed ‘Open City’, a community of technology savvy experts in Peterborough who volunteered their time and expertise to the development of the interactive screen.
The first Hackathon, held in Peterborough Cathedral’s precincts, saw over 20 people give up 25 hours each, equating to over £25k in volunteer time, in the development of the new interactive screen.