Sprint: How To Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days

by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, Braden Kowitz, March10, 2016

Who

Jake Knapp: He is a design partner at Google Ventures (GV) and has worked with various companies to help them solve design and product-related challenges. Knapp is known for his expertise in design thinking and has been involved in developing and refining the sprint methodology, which is outlined in the book.

John Zeratsky: Zeratsky also worked at Google Ventures, where he focused on helping startups with product design, strategy, and growth. He has a background in design and technology and has written for publications like The Wall Street Journal and Wired.

Braden Kowitz: Kowitz is another design partner at Google Ventures, where he assists startups with user experience design and product strategy. He has a background in design and engineering and has worked with various companies on developing innovative products.

Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days (thesprintbook.com)

Book Summary:

The book outlines a structured process, known as the "design sprint," which is a five-day process for solving problems and testing ideas. It combines elements of design thinking, rapid prototyping, and user testing to help teams quickly iterate and validate ideas. The authors draw from their experiences working with numerous startups and companies to provide practical advice and techniques for running successful sprints.

Book Review:

From three design partners at Google Ventures, a unique five-day process for solving tough problems using design, prototyping, and testing ideas with customers.

The startups that Google Ventures invest in face big questions every day: Where’s the most important place to focus your effort, and how do you start? What will your ideas look like in real life? How many meetings and discussions does it take before you can be sure you have the right solution to a problem? Business owners and investors want their companies and the people who lead them to be equipped to answer these questions—and quickly. And now there’s a sure-fire way to solve their problems and test solutions: the sprint.

While working at Google, designer Jake Knapp created a unique problem-solving method that he coined a “design sprint”—a five-day process to help companies answer crucial questions. His ‘sprints’ were used on everything from Google Search to Chrome to Google X. When he moved to Google Ventures, he joined Braden Kowitz and John Zeratsky, both designers and partners there who worked on products like YouTube and Gmail. Together Knapp, Zeratsky, and Kowitz have run over 100 sprints with their portfolio companies. They’ve seen firsthand how sprints can overcome challenges in all kinds of companies: healthcare, fitness, finance, retailers, and more.

A practical guide to answering business questions, Sprint is a book for groups of any size, from small startups to Fortune 100s, from teachers to non-profits. It’s for anyone with a big opportunity, problem, or idea who needs to get answers today. The Book is also fast pace and seems to require for the practice people in the room who can paticipate to the discussion and agree with the decisions coming from the decision maker. Even if not mention I would not see someone who is fresh out of school who just got hired by the company taking part to the whole Sprint.

Practical and Technical Benefits for Project Managers:

Project managers can derive several benefits from implementing the principles outlined in "Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days." These benefits include:

1. Efficiency: The structured five-day process helps project managers streamline problem-solving and idea validation, reducing the time spent on lengthy discussions and meetings.

2. Clarity: By following a clear framework, project managers gain a better understanding of project objectives, priorities, and potential solutions.

3. Faster Decision-Making: The sprint methodology encourages rapid iteration and testing, enabling project managers to make informed decisions quickly based on real-world feedback.

4. Risk Reduction: By testing ideas early in the process, project managers can identify and mitigate potential risks before investing significant time and resources into development.

5. Improved Collaboration: The sprint process involves cross-functional teams working closely together, fostering collaboration and shared understanding among team members.

6. Customer-Centricity: Through user testing and feedback loops, project managers ensure that solutions are aligned with customer needs and preferences, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.

7. Innovation: The sprint approach encourages creative problem-solving and experimentation, empowering project managers to explore new ideas and approaches.

8. Goal Achievement: By focusing efforts on solving specific problems within a defined timeframe, project managers increase the likelihood of achieving project goals and objectives.

9. Adaptability: The sprint methodology allows project managers to adapt and iterate based on real-time feedback, ensuring that projects stay aligned with evolving requirements and objectives.

10. Professional Development: Implementing the sprint process provides project managers with valuable experience in design thinking, rapid prototyping, and user testing, enhancing their skill set and marketability.

In conclusion, "Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days" not only presents a transformative approach to problem-solving and innovation but also offers several distinct advantages to its readers. By following the structured methodology outlined in the book, individuals and teams can efficiently tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change within their organizations. The advantages of embracing this approach include increased efficiency, clearer decision-making, reduced risk, improved collaboration, and a heightened focus on customer needs. Furthermore, "Sprint" equips readers with valuable skills in design thinking, rapid prototyping, and user testing, enhancing their professional development and marketability. Ultimately, this book serves as a practical guide for navigating the fast-paced world of modern business, empowering readers to achieve impactful results in a short period.