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The Adventure of a Design Sprint
Confronting the Challenges of Product Uncertainty
Every significant endeavor begins with a formidable challenge, and ours was no exception — designing an innovative feature poised to fundamentally alter user interaction with our product. It was akin to standing at the periphery of an uncharted forest, with the knowledge that a metaphorical dragon awaited in its depths. Nevertheless, our objective was clear: to uncover a transformative solution to a persistent customer problem. To embark upon this journey, we assembled a diverse and multidisciplinary team of five — a coalition comprising designers, product managers, engineers, and a customer support expert. Together, we were primed for the adventure of a Design Sprint.
Monday: Establishing the Strategic Vision
Our journey starts by defining our long-term objective — our aspirational destination. Much like explorers surveying the landscape from a hilltop vantage point, we sought to visualize the distant treasure. Equally critical, however, was our recognition of potential obstacles. What risks could derail our efforts? What pitfalls lay along our path? By systematically mapping these risks, we were able to proceed with eyes wide open.
We created a flow map — a comprehensive, bird’s-eye representation of our envisioned user journey. Where would users commence their interaction? How would they navigate through the experience? Who or what might they encounter along the way, and what metaphorical dragons could obstruct their progress? Each team member posed probing questions, consulting the collective expertise of the group. This exercise yielded an abundance of insights, converging on pivotal inquiries: “How…
