UX Catalyst is a full-day design hackathon hosted by IxDF Edmonton, focused on learning problem-solving and solutioning skills through hands-on practice.
This event is a great fit for students and entry to mid-level designers who want to grow their digital user experience and service design skills through hands-on collaboration.
This edition’s theme:
Solve a real public services challenge about the place we live.
Participants will collaborate in small teams, prototype ideas, test them, and present their solutions — all in one day!
Participation is free, but a full-day commitment is required.
🗓️ Schedule
09:00–09:30 Welcome & arrival
09:30–09:45 Overview of the event format
09:45–10:00 Quick resource share and tips from facilitators
10:00–10:20 Challenge presentation
10:20–10:40 Team discussions to come up with elicitation questions
10:40–11:00 General Q&A
11:00–12:00 Initial ideation
12:00–13:30 Lunch together
Participants cover their lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own (fridge available), or choose from affordable nearby options suggested by the organizers.13:30–15:30 Prototyping
Paper prototyping materials will be provided. You’re welcome to bring a device for internet access if you'd like.15:30–16:00 Proxy user testing
16:00–16:30 Final iteration & prototype prep
16:30–18:00 Open gallery with the public to test the ideas
From this point on, the event opens as IxDF Edmonton’s April meetup. If you’d like to join only for the public gallery and networking portion, please RSVP on this separate event page: https://luma.com/99m9ezdt. Participants to the hackathon do not need to register twice.18:00–18:30 Results, a short "Founder Pitch" (Edmonton Unlimited style), thank-yous & closing
🎓 Why Participate
Learn design thinking through hands-on practice
Work on a meaningful public services challenge
Build case study material for your design portfolio
Network with Edmonton's local design community
Compete for free IxDF masterclasses, awarded to the top-performing team
Special thanks to Edmonton Unlimited for generously hosting us as our venue sponsor.
📸 Disclaimer
Photos will be taken during the event and used for community promotion.
Participants will also receive access to photos for portfolio use upon request.
💛 Optional Donation
Participation is free.
If you’d like to support event expenses, consider a $10 donation on Paypal.
📌 Thinking of joining IxDF to kick off your design learning journey?
Use our referral link to get 25% off your annual membership (or 3 months free).
By signing up, you’ll become part of the global IxDF platform and support our local IxDF Edmonton chapter, which you can join once your account is set up.