Three design partners at Google Ventures have developed an innovative and effective problem-solving process that spans five days. This unique approach involves utilizing design, prototyping, and testing of ideas directly with customers.
The startups that Google Ventures invests in constantly grapple with significant questions: How should they prioritize their efforts, and where should they begin? What will their ideas look like in practice? How many meetings and discussions are required to ensure the right solutions to their problems? Business owners and investors are eager for their companies and leaders to possess the ability to promptly address these questions. Thankfully, a reliable method now exists to tackle their challenges and test potential solutions: the sprint.
While employed at Google, a designer named Jake Knapp introduced a distinctive problem-solving technique he called a “design sprint.” This five-day process proved invaluable in assisting companies in answering critical questions. Knapp’s sprints were successfully applied to various projects, ranging from Google Search and Chrome to Google X. Upon joining Google Ventures, he teamed up with Braden Kowitz and John Zeratsky, both partners and designers who had worked on prominent products like YouTube and Gmail. Together, Knapp, Zeratsky, and Kowitz have conducted over 100 sprints with the companies in their portfolio. They have witnessed firsthand how sprints can effectively overcome challenges in diverse industries, including healthcare, fitness, finance, retail, and others.
“Sprint” is a practical guide tailored to address business questions. It caters to groups of all sizes, from small startups to Fortune 100 companies, as well as educators and non-profit organizations. Essentially, it serves anyone with a significant opportunity, problem, or idea who seeks prompt and actionable answers.
