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Let's get into some

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What is a jam?
A: Often referred to as a “hackathon,” a jam is an immersive, collaborative event where teams dive into the entire design thinking process to tackle real-world challenges. We start by exploring a challenge highlighted by the Global GovJam organizers. Once we've gained a well-rounded understanding of the problem to be solved, we'll get creative together, leveraging the diverse perspectives in the room to brainstorm innovative solutions. Finally, we bring our ideas to life by prototyping and gathering feedback directly from users, refining and iterating as we go. This dynamic process ensures that we’re not just solving the problem, but solving the right problem with real, user-centered solutions.
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Q: What will I take away from the GovJam?

A: For designers - this is a great chance to dive into the design process end-to-end, to step away from your current projects with new inspiration, and an opportunity to meet other like minded connections across the public sector.


If you're new to design thinking - we welcome you! We'll provide training at the start of the jam to make sure you're a confident contributor. This is an opportunity to not only learn about the design thinking process, but to experience it.

 

Q: What will I take away from the GovJam?

A: For designers - this is a great chance to dive into the design process end-to-end, to step away from your current projects with new inspiration, and an opportunity to meet other like minded connections across the public sector.


If you're new to design thinking - we welcome you! We'll provide training at the start of the jam to make sure you're a confident contributor. This is an opportunity to not only learn about the design thinking process, but to experience it.


Q: What is the Global GovJam movement?
A: The Global GovJam connects cities around the world to all participate in the same event. They all run in the same 5-day period and all work on the same, identical, Secret Theme. Other than that, each city is very free to shape their jam in terms of methods, mood and structure.

Q: How do you define 'public sector'?
A: For the purposes of the jam, basically this can mean anyone who is paid by taxes – government workers, social service professionals, educators, health, environmental services, etc. 

Q: Do I need to work in the public sector to participate?
A: All jams are open to anyone who wants to participate, whether public servants or citizens. A diverse mix is best! No qualifications or experience are needed. 
 
Q: What if I've never used design thinking before?
A: That's all good! We'll guide you through every step of the design thinking process, so no experience is necessary - just bring your curiosity.

Q: What is this 'secret theme' you refer to...?
A: All Jams around the world have the same identical Secret Theme which is shared with the local Jams just before they start. It's always encouraged to explore that theme in our local context, and the secret themes usually invite a wide range of interpretation.

Q: How will we approach problem-solving during the jam?
A: The key philosophy of the Jam is “doing, not talking”. Instead of discussing what citizens or public employees need, jammers go out of the building to do quick research. And instead of describing their ideas, they build prototypes – rather than presentations – of their solutions and test them with users to evolve them. At the end, we'll upload each team's submission to the global GovJam website to share with jammers around the world.

Q: What's included in the ticket cost?
A: Our tickets are $55 for the two days, and will include lunch on the first day, snacks on the second day, refreshments, materials, and space rental. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to us for a no-questions asked ticket.

Ready to jam with us?

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