Proto Night?

Yes, as in 'prototype'. Proto Night is a usergroup that meets about once a month for 2 hours to make prototypes of web apps.

What's the point?

Networking, collaboration, motivation, learning, uniting idea people with web developers.

Why 2 people?

You will be randomly paired with one other person for the whole 2 hours. Pairs will chat, throw out ideas, brainstorm, design, and most likely implement a very focused prototype.

Groups of 2 tend to have high engagement and low disagreement. To the extent possible, idea people will be paired with developers (note that idea people can also be developers).

A revolution is happening that is transforming software development into a highly social/collaborative act, instead of its current isolated form. One of Proto Night's goals is to encourage this in Columbus as much as possible. See our Pair Programming page for more on this exciting trend.

Why 1 prototype?

Working on something real tends to get the ideas and energy flowing. For idea people, the meeting can be an easy and fun way to finally get a start on that prototype you've been thinking about.

Why 0 commitment?

By attending the meeting you aren't committing to anything beyond the 2 hours. This keeps the stress low and ensures you'll meet a new person each meeting. Some pairs may opt to continue the relationship afterward, but that will be the exception rather than the rule

What if we don't get anything done?

No problem. You still met an interesting new entrepreneurial-minded person, had some fun conversations, and most likely learned a lot and got your brain really fired up for 2 hours. 2 hours isn't a lot of time, so pick something very specific and simple to implement.

I'm an "idea person". What if I can't implement anything?

That's fine. You should have at least some level of expertise involving the web, though. Not knowing how to program is fine, but if you don't really know how to use the web either, this isn't the usergroup for you. You'll be working very closely with your partner for 2 hours, most likely during some programming and design. If that sort of thing makes you nauseous this group probably isn't your bag.

The ideas, inspiration, motivation, dialog, pointing at the screen, etc. that non-programmers can provide during programming can be quite valuable. When the coding starts, it's not time for you to go grab coffee. Roll your sleeves up and jump in. You'll learn a ton! See our Examples page for what each side might bring to the table.

So if I show up, I'll get paired with a developer?

Not necessarily. It depends on how many developers and idea people attend. It will help if you arrive early.

What type of things should we work on?

2 hours isn't much time, so consider picking a simple and achievable goal - possibly a subset of your larger idea. Maybe make a simple html mockup of a page or two. Maybe do a proof-of-concept for one call to the twitter API. Maybe make a simple page on Facebook. Maybe get a line or point or 2 on a google map. Maybe just mock up some of the ui on paper or using Balsamiq Mockups. Maybe figure out the database schema and a couple important queries, or create some tables on dabbledb.com. See Examples for more ideas.

What if I want to protect my idea from potential competitors?

You're encouraged to share, but there will be no demo-ing at the end and you'll only be working with 1 person per meeting. And you'll likely only be prototyping a small focused part. Feel free to alter the domain (say it's "Twitter for beekeepers" instead of for falconers) as long as it's plausible and still enjoyable for the developer.

Are there general guidelines?

1. Collaborate
- work together not apart, you could do that at home
2. Keep the dialog going the whole night
- especially important during programming / design
3. Encourage and incorporate your partner's ideas. Give them equal time to talk.
4. The idea person is not in charge, but rather has equal say regarding what to do.

What if developers get paired with developers?

We'll provide a sample idea. Consider doing it, or brainstorm and come up with your own.

What if idea people get paired with idea people?

Maybe try spending an hour on each idea. Use the time for brainstorming and building off of each other's thoughts. Maybe just draw a mockup of the UI for each idea on paper.

What about iPhone apps, etc.?

Whereas all web developers can throw together a prototype web page, few can create iPhone apps. Better stick with a web idea, unless you want to send an email to the mailing list in advance and can get an iPhone developer to agree to opt out of the random pairing and pair with you.

Many mobile apps do have web components, though. A prototype of a the web component of a mobile app is fair game.

What should I bring?

Developers should bring their laptops with a dev environment ready to go. Idea people should bring an idea or two and maybe some paper to scribble on.

Hey Proto Night, can I have some of your tots?

No way, get your own! (Sry, no food provided.)

How do I get involved?

Get on our list at join the list so we can alert you about meetings as they are scheduled (pending space available).

Where and When?

where: Sandbox Columbus (851 N Pearl St., in the Short North)
when: to be scheduled according to demand. Join the list to be alerted about meetings.