Prototype for the Planet

What is a designathon?

A Designathon (or Design Hackathon) is an innovation-driven event where teams of designers come together to create solutions for real-world challenges. Unlike traditional hackathons focused on coding, this event emphasizes user experience, design thinking, and creativity to address sustainability-related problems.

Is this fully in-person?

No! The designathon is fully hybrid, so you can participate either in person or remotely. However, teams will be either fully in-person or fully remote—there won’t be mixed-format teams. If you can’t be at Bentley, you’ll still have full access to mentors, workshops, presentations, and the judging process.

What should I bring to the designathon?

Bring anything you'd normally need for a productive work session. While a laptop is not required, we strongly recommend bringing one if you plan to use digital tools, as laptops and computers will not be provided. With only 1.5 days to complete your work, having the right setup can help you stay efficient.

Who can participate?

This event is open to all—whether you're a UX/UI designer, researcher, developer, strategist, or simply passionate about sustainability, there’s a place for you! No prior hackathon experience is required.

How do I get to Bentley?

Bentley is located at 175 Forest St, in Waltham, MA 02452. There is free parking on campus in the visitor lots (L1E and L2). You can travel to Bentley via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter rail or bus services. From Boston: From Boston's North Station, take the outbound Fitchburg/South Acton commuter rail line to either the Waverley or Waltham Center stations. From the Waverley station, take the inbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From the Waltham Center station, take the outbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From points west: From the western suburbs, take the inbound Fitchburg/South Acton line to the Waltham Center or Waverley stations, and follow the 554 bus line directions listed above. Bus service: From Boston: From the Federal and Franklin streets bus stop in Downtown Boston, take the outbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From points west: There is no bus service from the western suburbs to Waltham. For more details on how to get to Bentley via public transit (including service schedules, handicap accessibility, and trip-planning assistance) visit the MBTA website.

Will I be assigned teams?

No, teams will not be pre-assigned. Instead, teams of 3-4 will be formed at the beginning of the event during a team mixer, where you'll have a chance to meet and connect with other participants. We recommend forming a balanced team with at least one designer, one researcher, and one developer to ensure a well-rounded approach.

What is a designathon?

A Designathon (or Design Hackathon) is an innovation-driven event where teams of designers come together to create solutions for real-world challenges. Unlike traditional hackathons focused on coding, this event emphasizes user experience, design thinking, and creativity to address sustainability-related problems.

Is this fully in-person?

No! The designathon is fully hybrid, so you can participate either in person or remotely. However, teams will be either fully in-person or fully remote—there won’t be mixed-format teams. If you can’t be at Bentley, you’ll still have full access to mentors, workshops, presentations, and the judging process.

What should I bring to the designathon?

Bring anything you'd normally need for a productive work session. While a laptop is not required, we strongly recommend bringing one if you plan to use digital tools, as laptops and computers will not be provided. With only 1.5 days to complete your work, having the right setup can help you stay efficient.

Who can participate?

This event is open to all—whether you're a UX/UI designer, researcher, developer, strategist, or simply passionate about sustainability, there’s a place for you! No prior hackathon experience is required.

How do I get to Bentley?

Bentley is located at 175 Forest St, in Waltham, MA 02452. There is free parking on campus in the visitor lots (L1E and L2). You can travel to Bentley via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter rail or bus services. From Boston: From Boston's North Station, take the outbound Fitchburg/South Acton commuter rail line to either the Waverley or Waltham Center stations. From the Waverley station, take the inbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From the Waltham Center station, take the outbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From points west: From the western suburbs, take the inbound Fitchburg/South Acton line to the Waltham Center or Waverley stations, and follow the 554 bus line directions listed above. Bus service: From Boston: From the Federal and Franklin streets bus stop in Downtown Boston, take the outbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From points west: There is no bus service from the western suburbs to Waltham. For more details on how to get to Bentley via public transit (including service schedules, handicap accessibility, and trip-planning assistance) visit the MBTA website.

Will I be assigned teams?

No, teams will not be pre-assigned. Instead, teams of 3-4 will be formed at the beginning of the event during a team mixer, where you'll have a chance to meet and connect with other participants. We recommend forming a balanced team with at least one designer, one researcher, and one developer to ensure a well-rounded approach.

What is a designathon?

A Designathon (or Design Hackathon) is an innovation-driven event where teams of designers come together to create solutions for real-world challenges. Unlike traditional hackathons focused on coding, this event emphasizes user experience, design thinking, and creativity to address sustainability-related problems.

Is this fully in-person?

No! The designathon is fully hybrid, so you can participate either in person or remotely. However, teams will be either fully in-person or fully remote—there won’t be mixed-format teams. If you can’t be at Bentley, you’ll still have full access to mentors, workshops, presentations, and the judging process.

What should I bring to the designathon?

Bring anything you'd normally need for a productive work session. While a laptop is not required, we strongly recommend bringing one if you plan to use digital tools, as laptops and computers will not be provided. With only 1.5 days to complete your work, having the right setup can help you stay efficient.

Who can participate?

This event is open to all—whether you're a UX/UI designer, researcher, developer, strategist, or simply passionate about sustainability, there’s a place for you! No prior hackathon experience is required.

How do I get to Bentley?

Bentley is located at 175 Forest St, in Waltham, MA 02452. There is free parking on campus in the visitor lots (L1E and L2). You can travel to Bentley via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter rail or bus services. From Boston: From Boston's North Station, take the outbound Fitchburg/South Acton commuter rail line to either the Waverley or Waltham Center stations. From the Waverley station, take the inbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From the Waltham Center station, take the outbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From points west: From the western suburbs, take the inbound Fitchburg/South Acton line to the Waltham Center or Waverley stations, and follow the 554 bus line directions listed above. Bus service: From Boston: From the Federal and Franklin streets bus stop in Downtown Boston, take the outbound 554 bus line to the Forest Street and Pigeon Lane stop in Waltham. It's a short walk to Bentley's main entrance on College Road. From points west: There is no bus service from the western suburbs to Waltham. For more details on how to get to Bentley via public transit (including service schedules, handicap accessibility, and trip-planning assistance) visit the MBTA website.

Will I be assigned teams?

No, teams will not be pre-assigned. Instead, teams of 3-4 will be formed at the beginning of the event during a team mixer, where you'll have a chance to meet and connect with other participants. We recommend forming a balanced team with at least one designer, one researcher, and one developer to ensure a well-rounded approach.