Design Sprint
Jake Knapp / GV five-act sprint compressed into one run: Map the problem (fan) -> Sketch competing solutions (fan) -> Decide on one concept and storyboard it (waist) -> Prototype a realistic facade (build) -> Test with users (waist). A timeboxed way to go from a hard question to a tested concept fast.
When you have a high-stakes question and want a tested answer quickly: align on the problem, generate competing concepts, pick one, prototype just enough to test, and get real reactions — all in one tight cycle.
Stages
Map
Align on the long-term goal and the sprint question; map the target customer and the key moments. Surface what is known and the riskiest unknowns across distinct angles.
Sketch
Generate competing solution sketches — each angle a distinct, self-contained concept. Push for variety; no critique yet.
Decide
Critique the sketches against the sprint question, pick the single winning concept, and storyboard the flow you will test.
Prototype
Build ONE realistic facade prototype of the storyboard — just enough surface to get an honest reaction, no real backend.
Test
Run user sessions with the prototype, capture reactions and frictions, and converge to a clear go / iterate / drop decision plus the buildable spec.