designsprint

A design sprint is a time-constrained, five-day process to rapidly solve a product or service challenge by producing a testable prototype and gathering user feedback. Originating at Google Ventures, it was popularized by Jake Knapp in the 2010s and has become a widely adopted framework in technology, design, and business teams. The method seeks to align stakeholders, reduce risk, and accelerate decision making by compressing ideation and testing into a single week.

The five-day rhythm typically follows: Monday is devoted to mapping the problem and selecting a target for the sprint; Tuesday is used for sketching and exploring a range of ideas; Wednesday is focused on decision-making and selecting a winning concept; Thursday is dedicated to building a lightweight, realistic prototype; Friday involves testing the prototype with real users, followed by a debrief and an action plan. Teams are cross-functional and usually include a facilitator, a designer, a product manager, engineers, and representatives from key user groups. A designated decision-maker or decider often guides final concept choice.

Applications and adaptations: design sprints are used for product features, service design, and policy or process improvements. They can be conducted in person or remotely with digital whiteboards and collaboration tools. Variants include accelerated or extended versions, and adaptations such as Design Sprint 2.0 or industry-specific primers. Critics note that a sprint is not a substitute for comprehensive research and implementation work; its success depends on clear scope, stakeholder buy-in, and realistic goals.