Action-Learning Methodology

Unlike traditional hackathons with predefined problems, the action-learning approach requires teams to discover, validate, and solve real community problems through systematic evidence gathering.

The Four Mandatory Quadrants


┌─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┐
│   1. GROUND TRUTH   │  2. FORMULATE       │
│                     │     INSIGHT         │
│   Community Research│   Pattern           │
│   Voice Notes ✓     │   Recognition       │
│   Observations      │   Root Causes       │
└─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┘
┌─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┐
│  3. FORMULATE       │  4. DEFINE          │
│     HYPOTHESIS      │     OPPORTUNITY     │
│                     │                     │
│   Problem Statement │   Solution Options  │
│   "We believe..."   │   Feasibility Study │
└─────────────────────┴─────────────────────┘

The Quadrants Explained

Do: Interview community members, record voice notes, observe problems
Output: Raw evidence of community needs

1. Ground Truth

Do: Analyze patterns, identify themes, find root causes
Output: Key insights and “superior interests”

2. Formulate Insight

Do: Write clear problem statement with testable hypothesis
Output: “We believe that… because… and if we… then…”

3. Formulate Hypothesis

Do: Explore multiple solutions, evaluate feasibility, select best option
Output: Justified solution choice with scoring matrix

4. Define Opportunity

Core Principles

Evidence-Based → Voice notes and documented research mandatory
Community-Centered → Problems defined by community, not assumptions
Iterative → Validate before building, adjust based on feedback
Documented → Track journey on team pages for evaluation

Timeline Mapping

Hackathon Phase	Quadrants Focus
Phase 1-2 (Nov 1-21)	Quadrant 1: Ground Truth collection
Phase 3 (Nov 22)	Validation with mentors
Phase 4 (Nov 23 - Dec 5)	Quadrants 2-3: Insights & Hypothesis
Phase 5 (Dec 6)	Quadrant 4: Define Opportunity
Phase 6-7 (Dec 7-13)	Build solution based on validated opportunity

Common Pitfalls

❌ Rushing to solutions before completing all 4 quadrants
❌ Skipping voice notes (mandatory evidence)
❌ Superficial research (talking to only 2-3 people)
❌ Assuming problems instead of discovering them
❌ Poor documentation on team pages

Additional Resources

Recording standards and consent protocols

Voice Notes Guidelines

Interview techniques and question design

Community Interviews

Learn more: Build What Matters philosophy →