Wayfindr's Public Transport Hackathon 2.0

Transport for London, in partnership with RSSB and Amazon Web Services, is proud to announce: Wayfindr’s Public Transport Hackathon 2.0!

Building on the previous hackathon, the task is to find a solution to challenges faced by people with visual impairments and hidden disabilities, when travelling on the London Underground (click here to find out more about Wayfindr).

We asked the teams to do this by using a test API, created especially for the event by London Underground, in combination with Bluetooth beacons and smartphones.
We are now looking at the Operational and Performance aspects of the system.

The following are the challenges:

1. Operational challenge

The London Underground service is subject to a number of regular and random alterations (e.g. escalator direction change, ticket barriers change, events); how can these be dealt with using our existing API, ensuring that operations keep running as normal? 

2. Performance challenge

Information is power! How can participants design an analytics tool that shows useful information to improve the system performance, such as: number of planned/started/complete/incomplete journeys, most frequently used/missed beacons, average time between beacons, etc?

If you like big datasets, smart cities and Tech for Good then look no further. Come along on your own or as part of a group (max. 4 people). There will be lots of Amazon gadgets to be won, and the possibility for future collaboration with TfL on the solutions developed. 

Register and come to the Wayfindr’s Public Transport Hackathon 2.0! 

We have a limited number of spaces available, after which applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Registration closes on Sunday, 10th November 2018.

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Please read the Hackathon Code of Conduct here.

Please read the Hackathon Personal Data Consent form here.

PROVISIONAL AGENDA (subject to change)

FAQs

Is there an age limit for participants?

You must be 18 or over to attend the hackathon.

Do I have to know about APIs?

Some basic knowledge of APIs is recommended, however it is not a must.

Is coding experience required?

No, we welcome coders, designers and entrepreneurs of all levels.

What gadgets will I be able to work with?

You will have access to Bluetooth beacons, their software SDKs, the API and an Android app with test API calls.

What are the challenges?

The challenges are the following: Operational, Performance and Hardware. To find out more, read the event description above.

Do I have to strictly work on the challenges proposed?

The challenges come from real needs that we have identified through our research. Feel free to work on those, but you are not restricted. Let your imagination go wild!

Does my concept have to be for visually impaired people?

Wayfindr mainly deals with people with visual impairments and hidden disabilities, and the challenges address their needs, as we identified them in our research. Feel free to work on an idea related to this, but you are not restricted. 

I am a vegetarian/vegan - will there be food provided for me?

Yes, just let us know your dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can I stay in the venue overnight?

No, unfortunately. Participants will be asked to leave the Amazon offices at 6pm and return the following morning to continue hacking.

Are you providing accommodation?

No, unfortunately. However, once we know who's attending, we'll facilitate conversations if people have spare rooms and are happy for other attendees to use them.

Is there travel reimbursement?

No, unfortunately. However, the entry is FREE and there will be plenty of food and drinks provided throughout the 2 days.

What should I bring with me?

You will need a laptop and a charger, plus any other hardware that you would like to use. We will provide the beacons and their software.

Do I need to come with a pre-made team?

No - if you are coming on your own we will be helping to match you with other people that are looking for team-mates.

How many people can be in a team?

A maximum of 4 people can be in a team. Make sure your team has a variety of skills.

I have a team of five - can I still enter?

Yes you can, but you will not be eligible for the prize if you win.

What are the judging criteria?

Teams will be judged against the following criteria: Technical innovation, Creativity, Design, Business model, Demo execution and Pitch. More details about the weighing of each criterion will be sent out before the hackathon.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

You can get in touch with us at the following email address: Innovation.Office@tfl.gov.uk