Run a Design Sprint
Run a complete 5-day design sprint from problem definition to tested prototype.
Overview
A 5-day intensive design sprint methodology that takes you from problem definition to a tested prototype. Based on Google Ventures Design Sprint framework, this playbook guides you through each day with specific prompts and deliverables.
Prerequisites
- Clear business challenge or problem to solve
- 5-7 team members available
- Dedicated space (physical or virtual)
- Decision-maker available for Day 3
- 5-8 users available for Day 5 testing
Steps
Planning & Setup
Sprint Planning
2 hoursSet up your design sprint with clear objectives, team roster, and schedule.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Sprint brief document
- •Team roster with roles
- •5-day schedule
- •Logistics checklist
Tips:
- •Schedule this 1-2 weeks before the sprint
- •Ensure decision-maker is available for Day 3
- •Book testing participants for Day 5 in advance
Problem Statement
1 hourCreate a clear, actionable problem statement that will guide your sprint.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Clear problem statement (1-2 sentences)
- •Supporting context document
- •Success metrics definition
Tips:
- •Keep it focused on one problem
- •Make it specific, not generic
- •Ensure it's solvable in 5 days
Day 1
User Research Review
2 hoursSynthesize existing user research to understand the problem space.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Research insights summary
- •Key user pain points
- •Opportunity areas
Tips:
- •If you don't have existing research, conduct quick interviews first
- •Focus on insights that relate to your problem statement
- •Document assumptions that need validation
Competitive Analysis
1.5 hoursAnalyze competitors and similar solutions to identify opportunities.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Competitive landscape map
- •Feature comparison
- •Opportunity gaps
Tips:
- •Look at direct and indirect competitors
- •Focus on UX patterns, not just features
- •Identify what works well and what doesn't
User Journey Mapping
2 hoursMap the current user journey to identify pain points and opportunities.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Current state journey map
- •Pain point identification
- •Opportunity areas
Tips:
- •Focus on the journey related to your problem statement
- •Include emotional states at each step
- •Identify moments of friction
Day 2
Ideation Setup
30 minSet up your ideation session with a structured FigJam board.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Structured FigJam board
- •Template sections ready
- •Instructions for team
Tips:
- •Set up the board before Day 2 starts
- •Include time allocations for each section
- •Make it easy for remote participants
Idea Generation
3 hoursGenerate multiple solution ideas through structured ideation exercises.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •20+ solution sketches
- •"How Might We" statements
- •Crazy 8s sketches
Tips:
- •Start with "How Might We" to reframe problems
- •Use Crazy 8s for rapid ideation (8 ideas in 8 minutes)
- •Encourage wild ideas - no filtering yet
Idea Synthesis
1 hourSynthesize multiple ideas into structured, actionable concepts.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Top 3-5 synthesized concepts
- •Grouped similar ideas
- •Feasibility assessment
Tips:
- •Look for themes across multiple ideas
- •Combine complementary concepts
- •Prioritize ideas that solve the core problem
Day 3
Decision Framework
2 hoursUse a structured framework to decide which solution to prototype.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Selected solution concept
- •Decision rationale
- •Prototype scope definition
Tips:
- •Involve the decision-maker in this step
- •Use voting and discussion to reach consensus
- •Be clear about what you're NOT building
Story Mapping
1.5 hoursCreate a storyboard of your solution to guide prototyping.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Solution storyboard
- •User flow diagram
- •Key screens/scenes identified
Tips:
- •Focus on the critical path only
- •Keep it simple - 5-7 key scenes
- •Include the happy path and one error state
Day 4
Wireframing
2 hoursCreate low-fidelity wireframes of your solution.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Low-fidelity wireframes
- •Screen structure defined
- •Content placeholders
Tips:
- •Don't worry about polish - focus on structure
- •Include all key screens from storyboard
- •Use placeholders for content
UI Design
3 hoursCreate high-fidelity prototype screens.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •High-fidelity prototype screens
- •Key interactions defined
- •Visual design applied
Tips:
- •Use your design system if available
- •Focus on key screens only
- •Make it realistic enough for testing
Content & Copy
1 hourWrite all UI copy and microcopy for the prototype.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •All UI copy finalized
- •Button labels
- •Error messages
- •Empty states
Tips:
- •Keep copy concise and clear
- •Use real content, not lorem ipsum
- •Include error states and edge cases
Day 5
Usability Test Setup
1 hourPrepare your usability test script and materials.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Test script
- •Participant guide
- •Interview questions
- •Prototype ready for testing
Tips:
- •Test with 5-8 users
- •Focus on the core user flow
- •Prepare follow-up questions
Testing & Synthesis
3 hoursConduct tests and synthesize findings into insights.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Test findings summary
- •Key insights
- •Recommendations
- •Next steps
Tips:
- •Take notes during each test
- •Look for patterns across users
- •Separate observations from interpretations
Shareout Preparation
1 hourCreate your sprint shareout presentation.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Shareout presentation deck
- •Talking points
- •Demo script
Tips:
- •Keep it to 15-20 minutes
- •Focus on insights, not just the prototype
- •Be honest about what didn't work
Sprint Summary
30 minDocument the sprint outcomes and next steps.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Sprint summary document
- •Action items list
- •Resource links
Tips:
- •Document while it's fresh
- •Include photos or screenshots
- •Make it shareable with stakeholders