Research
Guerilla Research Sprint
Get outside and talk to users in this fast research sprint. In 15 minutes, participants find people, conduct brief interviews, and uncover real insights that challenge assumptions. This exercise shows that valuable research doesn't need weeks of planning. It just takes focus and good questions. It's ideal for quickly validating ideas or breaking through team debates.
Duration
15 mins
Group Size
2-3
Category
Research
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:
- Conduct research in a short time.
- Gain confidence in recruiting and interviewing users quickly.
- Prioritize key research questions.
- Synthesize insights under pressure.
- Experience guerrilla research.
- Completed guerrilla research.
- Quick user insights.
- Fast validation of assumptions.
Pre-Sprint Setup:
During the Sprint:
Challenges & Solutions:
Success Indicators:
Variations:
Location-Specific Tips:
Emergency Backup Plans:
I've seen teams struggle with synthesis. Remind them it's about quick, top-of-mind takeaways, not polished reports.
- Choose high-traffic locations with relevant user types.
- Set a visible timer.
- Emphasize speed over perfection. It's about rapid insights.
- Create energy.
During the Sprint:
- Stay visible for support.
- Announce time updates (e.g., "5 minutes left!").
- Coach participants who struggle to get interviews.
- Document synthesis insights.
Challenges & Solutions:
- Challenge: Can't find willing participants. Solution: Lower the bar; even 1-minute conversations count.
- Challenge: Surface-level answers. Solution: Push for specific examples: "When did that last happen?"
- Challenge: Running out of time. Solution: "Last quick question: what would have made that better?"
- Challenge: No insights. Solution: Debrief: "What did you learn about approaching people?"
Success Indicators:
- Participants return with user quotes.
- Stories contradict assumptions.
- Concrete examples of pain points.
- Emotional reactions identified.
- New questions sparked.
Variations:
- Team Competition (20 minutes): Multiple teams, same question. Compare findings and vote on the most surprising insight.
- Sequential Sprints (45 minutes): 3 rounds, different aspects of the same topic. Build a user picture.
Location-Specific Tips:
- Coffee Shops: Approach people waiting or sitting alone. Ask about apps or decision-making.
- Transit Stations: Target people waiting. Focus on mobile behavior.
- Campus Areas: Students are often willing to help. Great for tech adoption questions.
Emergency Backup Plans:
- Pivot to staff: Interview employees about customer behavior.
- Quick online survey.
I've seen teams struggle with synthesis. Remind them it's about quick, top-of-mind takeaways, not polished reports.
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