An Exploratory Study Examining Group Dynamics in a Hackathon

Abstract

Pairing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in a hackathon is beginning to receive attention. VR and AR tools have the potential to support different types of skill sets and help promote synergistic interconnections between team members. Since little is known about how a hackathon can contribute towards group dynamics, this exploratory study compared team dynamics that occurred in multidisciplinary groups during a weekend hackathon. Twenty-two multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to two campus professionals, participated in the event held on a mid-size university in the South-Central Midwest of the United States. The groups were deliberately created by the research team to support different skill sets and disciplines based upon the in-group bias framework. Observations and video recordings occurred throughout the 2-day hackathon event. The non-obtrusive-participant observations resulted in noticeable differences between group dynamics in collaboration, teamwork, work style, and group presentations.