Question 1

Who can participate?

Accepted Answer

Teams must consist of current UW–Madison students.

Question 2

Is attendance required every day?

Accepted Answer

Teams should plan to participate throughout the challenge, with required attendance at the kickoff and final showcase days.

Question 3

Who owns the project or idea?

Accepted Answer

Teams retain ownership of their work. The program may showcase projects for educational or promotional purposes with proper credit.

Question 4

How will projects be evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Projects will be judged on impact, innovation, execution, sustainability systems thinking, and clarity of documentation. A detailed rubric will be provided at the primary informational meeting on April 10.

Question 5

Are there prohibited tools or materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certain tools and materials may be restricted due to safety or Makerspace policies. A list will be shared at the kickoff.

Question 6

Does our prototype need to be fully functional?

Accepted Answer

No. Prototypes do not need to be fully functional, but teams must clearly communicate intent, design decisions, feasibility, and impact.

Question 7

Do we need to collect real-world data?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Estimated data is acceptable, but teams should clearly document assumptions and methods used. A more detailed demonstration of app usage will be provided at kick off and the primary informational meeting.

Question 8

How do we purchase materials?

Accepted Answer

Approved materials must be purchased through the designated program process. Full details will be provided during the primary informational meeting on April 10 and at the Design Challenge Day 1: Kickoff.

Question 9

Is use of the app required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Teams must document progress, log data, and submit final materials through the Juniper Journal app.

Question 10

How much time should teams expect to spend?

Accepted Answer

Teams should expect to spend approximately 5–10 hours over the challenge period. Work is distributed across multiple days to accommodate class schedules. Teams should plan to spend at least 1–2 hours prototyping, practicing their pitch, or completing required deliverables.

Question 11

Do we need prior Makerspace training?

Accepted Answer

No prior experience is required. Required safety training will be provided, and Makerspace staff will be available to assist with certain aspects of projects. Prior familiarity with the space is helpful but not required.

Question 12

What is the maximum project budget?

Accepted Answer

Each team may spend approximately $100–$250 on materials. The final budget cap will be confirmed at the primary informational meeting on April 10.

Question 13

How are projects funded?

Accepted Answer

Projects are funded by program sponsors only. No outside funding sources may be used. Each team will be restricted to a specific materials budget.

Question 14

Can we build on an idea or project we’ve already started?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As long as the majority of design, prototyping, and documentation occurs during the challenge period and meets the required design themes.

Question 15

Do I need to be an engineering student?

Accepted Answer

No. Interdisciplinary problem-solving is encouraged, and participation is not limited to engineering students.

Question 16

Do I need to have a team before the kickoff?

Accepted Answer

No. Teams may form during the Design Challenge Day 1: Kickoff. However, all participants must register by April 15 at 11:59 p.m.  and should indicate that they are looking for a team.

Question 17

How many people can be on a team?

Accepted Answer

Teams must consist of 4-5 participants. Final team size guidelines will be shared at the primary informational meeting on April 10.

Question 18

Do projects need to match a specific theme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Projects must align with at least one of the challenge themes: Water, Waste, Biological Growth, or Energy.

Question 19

Who can vote for the People’s Choice award?

Accepted Answer

Participants may vote during the final showcase but may not vote for their own project.

Question 20

Are accommodations available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Participants may request accommodations during registration.

The Earth Week Design Challenge

Format &Timeline

April 10th : Primary Informational Meeting

April 12th–14th : Office Hours for Questions

April 15th: Final Sign Up Date

April 19th – Design Challenge Day 1: Kickoff

April 20th – Design Challenge Day 2: Research & Prototyping

April 21st – Design Challenge Day 3: Finalization & Pitch Preparation

April 22nd - Design Challenge Day 4: Earth Day Final Showcase

Design Themes

Deliverables

Awards

Partners and Sponsors

Frequently asked questions