Motivation
natPortal will be a complete online platform for events with a focus on events in which participants network and create projects within the timespan of the event.
Similar hackathon platforms exist. The current most popular is DevPost. However, its functionality is extremely limited and it makes little detail about the event itself available.
Platforms for networking also exist. However, these networking platforms are separate from event platforms, making integration and user experience discontinuous.
Our primary example is Jamsocial, a networking icebreaker game. Users scan a QR code to participate in a Jamsocial session, in which they receive prompt questions to answer. The networking is very natural and enjoyable. However, networking between participants is not recorded. In addition, NAT wishes to promote interaction between people from diverse fields and environments.
natPortal combines the intended functionality of both generic event platforms and hackathon-centric platforms, while encouraging networking between dissimilar participants.
natPortal will be a complete platform for events providing the features required to:
- advertise an event
- permit registration for an event
- communicate with event-goers
- track the development of projects during hackathons
- display selected projects created by winning teams
And:
- encourage networking between dissimilar event participants
- encourage and track results of networking performed during events
Registering for an event
Users may register for an event by filling in a form. By filling in the form, the user shows as a participant in the event, however, is not approved. A user must be manually approved to participate in an event.