UI/UX Design Hackathon

🔹 Overview

The RHS UI/UX Design Hackathon is a global, virtual competition that invites high school students to explore the world of human-centered design. Whether you are new to design or already building your portfolio, this event gives you the opportunity to identify a real-world problem, research user needs, and create an innovative digital product prototype using Figma. No coding is required — this hackathon is focused on creativity, usability, and thoughtful problem-solving.

Participants will work individually or in teams to develop a project that demonstrates their ability to empathize with users, think critically, and translate research into intuitive digital experiences. Throughout the process, students will build meaningful skills ranging from visual communication to user research, interaction design, and storytelling.

🔹 Mission

Our mission is to help young designers develop confidence and real-world design experience by:

Encouraging problem-solving through creativity

Providing mentorship-style feedback from experienced UI/UX designers

🔹 What You’ll Do

Participants will:

Identify a real problem
Choose an issue that matters to you — mental health, accessibility, environmental sustainability, education, etc.

Research user needs
Gather insights to understand your users’ pain points and motivations.

Ideate
Brainstorm possible solutions and prioritize user-centered features.

Design
Create low-fidelity wireframes and turn them into high-fidelity prototypes in Figma.

Submit
Share your prototype along with a short explanation of your design decisions, process, and impact.

🔹 Why Participate?

Beginner-friendly — no prior experience required

Flexible — works with your schedule, fully online

Receive personalized feedback from real UI/UX designers

Build a piece for your portfolio

Practice essential design skills

🔹 Project Themes

You may design around any area you are passionate about, including but not limited to:

Mental health + wellness

Social connection + loneliness

Accessibility + inclusivity

Education + learning

Sustainability + climate challenges

Community building

Personal health + lifestyle

Transportation + safety

🔹 What You’ll Submit

A complete submission includes:

Figma prototype link

Short written explanation or brief video (2–3 minutes)

What problem are you addressing?

Who is your target user?

Why does your solution matter?

How does your design help?

Optional:

Wireframes

User Personas

User Journey Map

🔹 Judging Criteria

Problem Identification
Clearly identifies a pressing global issue with comprehensive understanding and relevance.

Innovation Solution
Presents a unique, creative, and practical app prototype that effectively addresses the chosen issue.

User-Centered Design
Exemplary application of UI/UX principles; the design is highly intuitive and user-friendly, effectively engaging the target audience.

Impact and Feasibility
The app can make a potential impact on the chosen issue. Realistic solution.

Awards:
🏆 Best Overall Solution - 1 Winner - Non-cash prize - Certificate of Achievement
Awarded to the project that demonstrates exceptional problem-solving, strong user-centered design, and a well-rounded execution across all evaluation criteria.

💡 Most Innovative App Design - 1 Winner - Non-cash prize - Certificate of Achievement
Recognizes the submission with the most original and creative concept. This award highlights bold ideas, fresh approaches, and standout visual or interaction design.

⭐ Best User Experience - 1 Winner - Non-cash prize - Certificate of Achievement
Granted to the prototype that provides the smoothest and most intuitive interaction. This award celebrates clarity, usability, accessibility, and thoughtful user flows.

🌍 Social Impact Award - 1 Winner - Non-cash prize - Certificate of Achievement
Honors the design that most meaningfully addresses a real-world issue and demonstrates an understanding of its users and potential positive impact on a community.

🔹 Who Can Join

Open to high school students worldwide

No prior experience required

Individuals or teams

🔹 Event Format

100% virtual

Work on your own schedule

Submit your project by the final deadline

🔹 What You’ll Gain

By the end of the hackathon, you will have:

Real experience using design thinking

Understanding of Figma

Feedback from experts

Increased confidence in creative problem-solving