Why Challenges Fail
Do you know why challenges fail? Innovation challenges are run across a variety of sectors, from large global-scale challenges like Bounce Back Challenges or smaller-scale open innovation competitions held in communities or companies. But not every challenge will be successful-challenge organisers can be frustrated by a lack of strong entries or by low engagement from solvers.
So what can you do? The best way to prevent a problem is to know its causes.
You have not defined success.
This is more basic than you think! Every challenge seeks to address a problem, but you need to be clear in challenge documentation what specifically you are looking for. Should participants submit a written proposal? A video? Are there questions they must answer in their submission? Giving clear examples of a successful entry will help guide your solvers.
Poor marketing.
If your solvers don't know about your challenge, how will they enter? Social media marketing is the most popular approach now, but think beyond the typical channels - find out what sites your ideal solver is looking at and focus on reaching users there. Is it a computer science challenge? Try organic outreach on forum sites like Kaggle or Reddit. Is your challenge aimed at students? Make sure your marketing is reaching them on social media popular with young people - think TikTok, not Facebook.
Complex forms.
Lengthy, confusing forms will turn off potential solvers. Collect only the essential information, and if your challenge is open internationally, ensure your submission materials are clear to all entrants, even if they are working outside of their first language. Also ensure you disclose if demographic information such as age and gender will be used for judging or not.
Miscalculated timelines.
Before you launch your challenge, second opinions matter. Have you given your solvers enough time to consider the challenge and develop a solution? Are you taking into account multiple time zones and important holidays in your target solvers' countries? If you are running a challenge aimed at undergraduate students, launching in the middle of the summer when they are not in term-time might not be ideal. Giving solvers only a week to create a large-scale solution will not encourage entering. Make sure your timelines are realistic, but not so lengthy solvers will forget they entered or lose interest in engaging with your work!
Confusing rules.
Make sure your criteria for entry are crystal-clear before launching your challenge. Clear expectations around entries and what your deadlines and restrictions are will help to ensure success. Make sure your rules are clear and well-advertised across all social media channels and in media appearences! A second set of eyes on your entry materials can help to evaluate if you are ready for launch.
Lack of resources for participants.
It's not enough to just publish your challenge and cross your fingers - support your solvers! Interact with them on social media and use digital tools such as Zoom and Clubhouse to host forums or information sessions with thought leaders in your challenge's field or with judges who will be assessing entries. Point your solvers to resources that will help empower them to find the best solutions!
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