How Design Sprints Can Help You Tackle Big Problems

Get from Problem to Solution Quickly with Design Sprints

I'm a big fan of design sprints. After learning about and using them, I’ve seen firsthand how they help teams move quickly from problem to solution. Design sprints, a structured process introduced by Jake Knapp in his book Sprint, give teams a way to solve problems and test ideas in a week. After taking AJ&Smart's Design Sprint boot camp, I’ve found them essential for product managers, designers, and anyone in startups or small businesses who wants to stay productive and moving forward. If you haven't tried design sprints yet, here's a breakdown of how they work:

Day One: Define the Problem and Map Solutions

The first day is about understanding the problem and brainstorming ideas. Gather a small team of people who understand the challenge and can offer different perspectives. You'll spend the day exploring the problem and possible solutions, ending up with a solid overview of the problem and a list of ideas to consider.

Assembling the Team
Your team should be a mix of people from relevant areas—maybe a product manager, UX designer, or other key stakeholders. A good mix of experience helps produce creative solutions.

Brainstorming Solutions
To start brainstorming, make sure the problem is clearly defined. Ask questions to dig into why this problem exists and what solutions might help. Think about both quick fixes and longer-term ideas. By the end of day one, you should have a list of ideas ready for the next steps.

Day Two: Sketch the Solutions

On day two, you and your team will sketch out each potential solution. This doesn’t mean detailed designs but rather high-level sketches that capture the main points of each idea. This lets you visualize different approaches and weigh the pros and cons of each.

Sketching Solutions
Focus on the main components. Don’t get bogged down in details—this day is about big-picture thinking. Consider feasibility as well; a great idea needs to be practical to work. Once your team has sketched out each solution, discuss each one’s strengths and weaknesses to help narrow down your options. By the end of the day, you should have a clear sense of which idea to pursue.

Day Three: Make a Plan

With a chosen solution in mind, day three is for deciding how to move forward. Figure out which parts of the solution you’ll build, assign tasks to each team member, and lay out a step-by-step plan.

Break Down the Solution
Identify the parts of your solution that are most critical. What’s doable in the timeframe you have? By focusing on the high-impact elements, you can move forward confidently.

Assign Tasks and Build a Timeline
Each team member should know their role. Then, create a realistic timeline to keep everyone on track and prevent anyone from feeling overwhelmed. With a solid plan in place, you’re ready to start building.

Day Four: Build a Prototype

On day four, you’ll work to build a prototype. If possible, aim for a working version of your solution by the end of the day. This prototype will be essential for gathering feedback on day five.

Keep the Focus‍

Stay clear on the problem you’re solving to avoid unnecessary distractions. Being adaptable is also important—things often change during building. Be ready to adjust if needed. Above all, remember this is a creative process—try to enjoy it!

Day Five: Test and Gather Feedback

Day five is about seeing how well your solution works by testing it with potential users. Have people interact with your prototype as if it were a real product, and pay attention to their feedback.

User Testing Basics
Testing can seem intimidating, but it’s just a chance to watch users interact with your product. This feedback is crucial for identifying improvements or problem areas.

Tips for Effective Testing‍

Have a clear goal, be flexible, and pay close attention to both what users say and what they do. Little details can reveal big insights.

Final thoughts

Design sprints are an excellent way to tackle tough problems in a short time. If you’re stuck or just need a creative boost, I highly recommend trying one. You’ll be surprised at what a small team can accomplish in five focused days!