An HR.Hackathon is a co-creative, time-bound event that uses design thinking methods to generate ideas around an HR challenge.
I initially designed the HR.Hackathon format in 2016 for the DisruptHR Chicago community and then scaled it as part of the HR.Hackathon Alliance.
Since, HR teams have asked me to adapt the format for use inside their organizations. HR.Hackathon as an intentionally designed experience is an effective method for engaging employees.
Late last year, I had a wonderful chat with Denise Dorigo Jones, Vice President Human Resources - Millendo Therapeutics.
We met earlier in the year, when Millendo was the HR Hackathon Alliance Challenge Host in Detroit. When we met again a few months later, I was thrilled to hear how the ideas generated by the Hackathon had helped Denise’s team to nurture their origination culture, through remote work across continents. It is a journey, as she says. Here is her experience about being a Challenge Host:
An integral part of the design thinking method is reflection. Reflecting on what was accomplished and what could be improved upon is critical to inhabiting a mindset of iteration and experimentation.
The end of a year is a good time to reflect.
A popular way to capture reflections in design thinking is the rose/thorn/bud method.
How might we convene a diverse group of global thinkers in a virtual forum to design solutions for work-related challenges caused by COVID-19?
In a previous post I wrote about the “why” behind #HRvsVirus.
Today, I want to share how we approached the experience, who was involved, and what the outcomes were.
An integral part of the design thinking method is reflection. Reflecting on what was accomplished and what could be improved upon is critical to inhabiting a mindset of iteration and experimentation.
One year into launching the hr.hackathon alliance is a good time to reflect.
A popular way to capture reflections in design thinking is the rose/thorn/bud method. Here we go…
I was fortunate enough to help out on the first hr.hackathon in Detroit, an idea launched by Nicole Dessain of talent.imperative.
Christina Chateauvert and other volunteers believed in the idea enough to take it to Detroit with the first topic being, “How might we collaborate with employees to co-create an improved employee experience?”
What was the top idea from my breakout group in the hr.hackathon? Making it safe for employees, of course. Not “safe” as in body harm but “safe” as in psychological safety. Being able to give direct feedback. Being able to say what you think without fear or repercussions. Eliminating this fear and building trust.
I recently had the honor to sit down with HR leader Daniel Vallejos and discuss how design thinking can be applied to HR, the importance of community, and the story behind why I created the hr.hackathon alliance.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Here are a few key insights from the podcast and associated 1 minute exercises I created for you:
Kelli Koschmann, VP of Talent at Sittercity, shares in this brief video how attending hr.hackathon events and taking Nicole Dessain’s “Design Thinking 101 for Talent Leaders” Skillshare online course inspired her to experiment with design thinking inside her organization.
Check out which challenge she “hacked”.
We want to hear from you!
Have you attended a hr.hackathon event and then experimented with either the design thinking method or an idea generated during the event?
Send us your blog post, video, podcast, sketch, or any other creative way you want to share your story.
Please send your story files/links to hello@talentimperative.com.
We are excited to hear your story!
