In short: Design Sprints are reassuring as other big players used it, it's like a recipe so the outcomes are clear and it's more efficient that the usual committees.

Other big players used it, so it's easier to sell internally

One great thing about Design Sprints is that it's been proven to work in many large organizations. They were first used at Google and have been used by many large organizations since. This makes it easy to show that similar companies have already benefited from them. When someone asks, Can this work in our industry or culture? the answer is often: Yes. When I "sell internally" a Design Sprint I showcase on a slide a mix of:

• Big sexy players: fancy innovative companies that have used Design Sprints, like LEGO or Google.

• Industry players: organizations from the same field that have used Design Sprints

• Local players: people who have used Design Sprints locally

It looks sexy

Big organizations often face a tension between wanting tried-and-true methods and wanting something sexy and innovative. Design Sprints do both. Just mentioning that Google uses Design Sprint usually makes it feel both sexy and powerful.

It's like a reassuring recipe

Design Sprints are like a recipe; they provide clear steps and clear outcomes. This is particularly reassuring in cultures where uncertainty is challenging. People who have a Excel spreadsheets-like brain find this structured approach reassuring. Where most of the time the Design process is messy. Design Sprints offer enough structure to make people feel secure while still allowing for creativity. In fact I feel that a Design Sprint hides in the recipe format the fact that it's messy!

It's more efficient than a committee

In big organizations, new projects often start with endless committee meetings that drag on for months or even years. In my experience the clear commitment of a few focused days in a Design Sprint (without preparation and with the promise there won't be more) is super refreshing and something people really love. The format is also less like a traditional work meeting and more like an engaging workshop, which is also something people really enjoy.

Made with AI help
This article was is based on an audio note I recorded while walking which was transcribed and rewritten by the app Audiopen. I then reviewed it manually :)