Catalyst is a virtual, UI/UX designathon that aims to challenge participants to explore how design, innovation, and community interact. Across 3 days, teams will collaborate to solve a design challenge and build a prototype of an app or a website that addresses modern-day problems - no coding required. Catalyst is open to all students across the country, regardless of experience level, so beginners are more than welcome!

Requirements

All submissions are due at 12pm EST on Sun, March 23rd at catalyst-2025.devpost.com.

  • We are only able to accept competition submissions from undergraduate students based in the United States.
  • Submissions without a .edu email address will be automatically disqualified.

ALL TEAMS

  • Max 3-minute video demo explaining the prototype. Include a link to your prototype with your DevPost submission.
  • DevPost write up:
    • Answer these 2 questions with your submission:
      • a. What is the track you chose and the problem your solution addresses? (150 word limit)
      • b. Why did you pick this solution, and how does it address the problem? (150 word limit)

BEGINNER TEAMS

  • Low/medium-fidelity prototype (visual design not included) of 1 flow (~3-5 screens or more). Include a link to your prototype with your DevPost submission.
  • 1 high fidelity screen to demonstrate the visual design (Incorporate this screen anywhere into your prototype) EXPERIENCED TEAMS

 

High-fidelity prototype (visual design included) of 2-3 flows (~6-15 screens or more). Include a link to your prototype with your DevPost submission.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$748 in prizes
Track 1: Travel, First Place
$150 in cash
1 winner

Track 1: Travel, Honorable Mention
$100 in cash
1 winner

Track 2: Storytelling, First Place
$148 in cash
1 winner

Track 2: Storytelling, Honorable Mention
$100 in cash
1 winner

Track 3: Defining Self-Identity/Individual, First Place
$150 in cash
1 winner

Track 3: Defining Self-Identity/Individual, Honorable Mention
$100 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Sneha Mulki

Sneha Mulki
Pinterest

Naheel Jawaid

Naheel Jawaid
SVSD (X-Google AI)

Luke Miller

Luke Miller
National Geographic Society

Judging Criteria

  • User Research
    Does the solution address an audience & their needs?
  • Ideation
    Does the solution present an original and innovative idea?
  • Prototype
    Is the project easy to use and the information easy to navigate?
  • Visual Design
    Are the visual components used in a thoughtful and consistent way?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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