Sprint

Decide on the best ideas on Wednesday

Instructions

Put the solution sketches on the wall with masking tape. Take the solution sketches and use masking tape to attach them to a wall. Arrange them in a single row with enough space between each sketch, similar to a museum exhibit. Consider placing the sketches in a rough chronological order to align with the storyboard.
Perform the heat map exercise to evaluate ideas. Distribute a set of small dot stickers (around 20-30 per person) to each team member. Have everyone silently review the solution sketches and put dots next to the parts they like. If they find something super exciting, they can use two or three dots for that idea. If someone has concerns or questions, they can write them on sticky notes and place them under the sketch. Remember, there's no limit on the number of dots, and they can even put dots on their own sketch. If someone runs out of dots, just give them more.
Discuss standout ideas in a speed critique. Gather the team for a quick discussion about each solution sketch to identify standout ideas. Choose someone to lead the discussion (Facilitator) and someone to take notes (Scribe). Then, set a three-minute timer for each sketch. Ask the Facilitator to describe the sketch while pointing out standout ideas with lots of dots. Others can also contribute standout ideas that the Facilitator might have missed. The Scribe will then write down these standout ideas on sticky notes and stick them above the sketch. Throughout the discussion, the creator of the sketch should remain silent. They can only explain missing ideas and answer questions at the end. Repeat this process when discussing the next sketch.
Take a straw poll to gather group opinions. Give each team member a big dot sticker representing their vote. Remind everyone of the long-term goal and the sprint questions. Encourage them to choose ideas with potential, even if they are risky. Set a ten-minute timer for the straw poll. Have everyone privately write down their choice. When the time is up, or everyone is finished, place the votes on the sketches. Each person should briefly explain their vote, taking about a minute each.
Let the decision-maker make the final call. Introduce the concept of a "supervote" as the ultimate decision-making power. Each decision-maker (Decider) will have three special votes with their initials. Whatever they vote for will be the idea your team prototypes and tests. Deciders can choose ideas that were popular in the straw poll or go against them. They can spread out their votes or put them all in one place. Basically, they can do whatever they feel is best.
Create a grid for your storyboard. Take the winning sketches and string them together into a storyboard. Begin by creating a big grid with around fifteen frames on an empty whiteboard. Draw boxes, approximately the size of two sheets of paper, within the grid. If drawing long, straight lines is challenging, use masking tape instead of a marker. Choose an opening scene that depicts how customers discover your company. Consider their location and activities just before using your product. Opening scene examples include a news article mentioning your service and competitors or an app store with your app featured.
Fill in the storyboard. With your chosen "artist" standing at the whiteboard and everyone else gathered around, start filling in the storyboard. The "artist" should draw the chosen opening scene in the first frame. From there, build the story one frame at a time, similar to creating a comic book. Discuss each step as a team while progressing. The process of creating the storyboard will likely take up the entire afternoon. To ensure completion by 5 p.m., follow these guidelines: Work with the available material, avoid simultaneous writing, include just enough detail, let the Decider make decisions, and keep the story within fifteen minutes or less.