Exercises

Trend Impact Assessment evaluates how current and future trends affect an organization or system. It combines trend analysis with impact evaluation. T...

Every project has assumptions. This exercise makes them visible. Write down what you think you know. Be honest about what's validated versus what you ...

Create a visual map of everyone with a stake in your project. See relationships, power dynamics, and communication needs across your ecosystem. This h...

This tool helps you analyze how service experiences affect well-being, society, and the environment. Use it to generate ideas for more sustainable and...

The How-Now-Wow matrix helps teams select ideas. It categorizes them by originality and how easy they are to implement. This 2x2 matrix highlights inn...

Turn problems into opportunities using optimistic questions. Reframe problem statements and insights into actionable "How might we..." questions. This...

Visualize the current user experience through a story. Document what users do, think, and feel. This exercise is a great way to understand the current...

The System Usability Scale (SUS) is a quick way to measure perceived usability. First, participants complete the SUS questionnaire after using a produ...

Explore multiple visual directions before settling on a single style. Style exploration generates various aesthetic approaches. This helps determine w...

Create service concepts rapidly with basic materials. Test ideas cheaply before investing in detailed development. It's about fast learning, not perfe...

Customers weigh all options, not just direct competitors. Competitive Alternative Identification maps these choices to reveal hidden competition. This...

Assumption mapping helps teams expose hidden risks. Plot assumptions on a certainty vs. risk matrix. Identify which assumptions need validation before...

Silent brainstorming works. Participants write ideas and build on them through rotation. No talking means no interruptions or loud voices. Silence rem...

Energizers are short activities to re-energize participants. Use them to refocus attention, boost mood, or combat post-lunch drowsiness.

Use a RACI matrix to clarify roles and responsibilities. It identifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for key activities or ...

Turn user research into archetypes. These personas represent key user segments. They include demographics, behaviors, goals, and frustrations. This ex...

Give each participant $100 (in play money). They distribute it across features, needs, or design priorities. This forces tough trade-offs and reveals ...

Your design system's components feel disorganized. Component Classification creates a taxonomy based on function, complexity, and relationships. In th...