Exploration
DataKind works with the organization to scope and identify its key data questions. Data Ambassadors are then hand-selected to lead the project and prepare the data, perhaps hosting a DataJam where volunteers will assist in data cleansing.
The Big Event
With the question scoped and the data cleansed, it's time to open the doors and let the volunteers roll in! Volunteers are not assigned to a project, but choose one they are most passionate about or rotate to sample a few. DataDive events are generally open to the public and volunteers have varying skill levels so Data Ambassadors oversee the project from start to finish to ensure meaningful work gets delivered.
Handoff
Unlike a hack-a-thon, the goal of a DataDive event is not necessarily to create an app. Instead it is to work with teams of experts to understand a truly difficult problem through data. Organizations walk away with anything from visualizations, analyses, graphs or even just some new datasets. DataDive events can lead to DataCorps projects and, for many organizations, serve as an exhilarating introduction to data science!