This so-called “hack day” or “unconference” gathered together tech enthusiasts to compete to develop a new application for Last.fm . One developed an application that notified users when their favourite band was playing in their area. But it was “StaffWars” – a program that settles disputes about who should control the office stereo with a short music quiz – that walked away with the ￡1,000 ($1,440, €1,120) prize.
Much of Last.fm's visitor traffic is generated from sites and programs such as StaffWars, which are created by independent developers. But the philosophy behind its unconference – that useful ideas can come from outside a business as well as its own staff – could apply to any organisation.
“The idea of gathering like-minded people into rooms to discuss something outside the context of their usual work is something that resonates with everyone,” says James Wheare, a lead developer at Last.fm.