Each year, Design at UCI hosts the largest hybrid collegiate design hackathon in Southern California, bringing together hundreds of students from across the nation to design, prototype, and pitch innovative products over the course of three days.

This year, we’re thrilled to present Designathon 2026, where 300+ designers, technologists, and creatives will explore the future of design in an age shaped by AI, immersive tech, and rapidly evolving interaction models - reimagining how we recover, reconnect with, and rediscover the ideas, experiences, and moments that might otherwise be lost.

Our theme, “Lost & Found,” invites participants to imagine a digital cosmos for the undiscovered and the overlooked - where fragments of who we are, from ideas and memories to connections and experiences, drift through space until they’re rediscovered. Designers are encouraged to rethink interfaces, systems, and experiences to help people recover meaningful moments, ideas, and connections that might otherwise disappear into the void.

Join us April 24-26, 2026, for workshops, socials, late-night ideation sessions, and conversations with industry leaders from Twitch, Amazon, Squarespace, and more, and founders of various successful start-ups.

Win in teams of up to four for our $5,262 prize pool. Participants will select one of the tracks, each with its own unique prompt and corresponding prizes. Additional awards include People’s Choice, Most Novel Design, and Beginner’s Prize.

More information on our website: ucidesignathon.com.

• Solution
  Does the project clearly solve the problem or meet the user's needs? Is the solution feasible, complete, and functional? How well does it address the challenge it set out to tackle?
• Innovation
  Is the idea original or unique? Does it bring a fresh perspective or approach to the problem? Are there creative features or concepts that stand out?
• User Research
  Did the team research their users and understand their needs? Are insights from research reflected in the design decisions? How well did the team empathize with the users?
• Design Thinking Process
  Did the team iterate through ideation, prototyping, and testing? Is the problem framed thoughtfully? Does the process demonstrate reflection and improvement?
• User Interface
  Is the UI visually appealing and coherent? Are interactions intuitive and easy to use? Does the design enhance the user experience?
• Track Alignment
  How well does the project reflect the Lost & Found track theme? Is the track theme evident without compromising usability or clarity?