# How to Hack a Hackathon
### Prepare and build for the upcoming hackathons

## Hackathon Checklist

- [ ] **Ideate on the Problem**
- [ ] **Assemble Your Team**
- [ ] **Plan Your Project**
- [ ] **Talk to Sponsor Projects**
- [ ] **Checkpoints and Staying on Track**
- [ ] **Finishing Your Submission**

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## Ideate on the Problem

- **Understand the Hackathon Theme**
Familiarize yourself with the hackathon’s goals and any overarching theme.

- **Identify a Real-World Problem**
Think of issues within Web3 or your area of interest that could benefit from a solution. The best projects address real needs and make a genuine impact.

- **Research Past Projects**
Look into past hackathon projects for inspiration, especially those on ETHGlobal or Sponsor Blogs. Review what worked well and how similar problems were tackled.

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## Assemble Your Team

- **Build a Versatile Team**
Ensure your team has diverse skill sets, such as frontend, backend, design, and project management.

- **Prior Collaboration is a Plus**
Teams that have worked together tend to be more efficient. Hackathons have limited time, be mindful of it, get along, learn from eachother, prioritise the project than any limiting emotions.

- **Balance Skills and Interests**
It's beneficial for each member to bring a different strength to the team. Each member has to pull their weight.

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## Plan Your Project

- **Define the Problem Statement**
Articulate the specific problem you want to solve. Keep it concise and focused and clear.

- **Create a Feature Wishlist**
Make a list of desired features and functionalities. This will help you scope the project realistically and prioritize effectively. Again be mindful of the time.

- **Assign Responsibilities**
Break down the tasks, assigning each feature or part of the project to a team member. Ensure everyone feels passionate about their role.

- **Choose Tools and Resources**
Decide on the tech stack, frameworks, and libraries you'll use. Check out hackathon resources or partner project tools that align with your goals.

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## Talk to Sponsor Projects

- **Connect with Project Sponsors**
Many hackathons have sponsor projects that provide resources and guidance. Reach out to learn what support is available, what is supported, what are the existing limitations.

- **Understand Partner Resources**
Some projects come with extensive documentation, starter kits, or even pre-written code. Familiarize yourself with these resources to save time.

- **Clarify Expectations**
Sponsors may have specific guidelines or areas they want you to focus on. Talking to them early can help align your project with their expectations.

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## Checkpoints and Staying on Track

- **Set Milestones**
Break the project timeline into smaller checkpoints to stay on track. Three days can pass quickly, so keep each milestone realistic.

- **Check-ins**
Hold brief team syncs to evaluate progress and reassign tasks if necessary. Make sure everyone is aligned and aware of the next steps.

- **Prioritize Key Features**
If time becomes tight, cut down on extra features to ensure the core elements are polished and complete.

- **Mind Wellness**
Avoid overworking. Time limits are short, pace yourselves to avoid burnout. Keep time for short breaks, proper meals, and sleep.

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## Finishing Your Submission

- **Final Quality Check**
Ensure all key features are implemented and tested. Cut unnecessary parts if needed for a complete, polished product.

- **Prepare a Presentation**
Select team members with strong presentation skills. Prepare a compelling story that shows why your project matters. It can seem tempting for each member to speak but one or two people presenting it well is better than 4 people presenting it goof.

- **Highlight the Value**
Judges look for impact—explain how your project solves a real problem and why it’s unique.

- **Submit on Time**
Allow extra time for submission logistics. Ensure everything is submitted properly with any required documentation. Dont wait till the last hour to start filling the details of your project, and make video.
Make slides before and update as you go.

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