DESIGN SPRINT
The goal of a Design Sprint is to build and test a prototype in a week – its a high energy, intense and fun way to build product. By the end, you’re not just left with validation for your product but a new way of working. What happens in a sprint then informs how the product team works afterward.
The ideal sprint requires teams to clear at least 4-6 hours of their calendars for 5 days. While this is a big ask, the outcome of a sprint is proportional to the energy put in. I’ll always recommend a 5 day intensive but we can also condense the sprint. A smaller sprint is great for a smaller scope, offsites or quarterly planning.
I have tailored the traditional design sprint for the needs of climate tech companies who must consider the Regulatory Landscape off their business.
Day 0
Discuss Goals
We’ll start by laying the groundwork for our sprint:
- 30-60 minute discussion about Business & Product Outcomes
- Who should attend, time committment
- Any modifications to the typical Sprint plan
- Set up Customers to interview during Sprint
Outcome: Document that outlines the scope of the sprint.
Day 1
Define
Day 1 starts at a high level and ends with a defined problem and customer
- Gather context for the problem we’re solving
- What are the Business & Product Outcomes
- Regulatory Opportunities & Constraints
- Context on the customer we are designing for
- Write a Customer Interview guide
Day 2
Empathize
Today is all about the customer:
- Interview Customers
- Create an Empathy Map
- Create a User Story Map
- Write Need Statements
Day 3
Ideate
Ideation is problem solving with no limitations. We won’t hold back on getting creative!
- Brainstorm Solutions for your customers
- Prioritize ideas
- Sketch solutions individually
- Present solutions as a group, iterate
Day 4
Prototype
Now we put our ideas to the test in a low cost, low risk way:
- UX team creates a lightweight prototype
- Shares with the team
- UX iterates based on feedback
Day 5
Validate
Test the prototype to validate your solution:
- Put the prototype in front of users
- Validate or invalidate the solution
- Celebrate your progress, regardless of outcome!