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Design studio

The design studio method structures brainstorming into focused, time-boxed cycles of individual and group ideation.[1] This technique emphasizes rapid visualization and iteration through sketching, making it particularly effective for solving UI/UX, interaction design, and cross-functional challenges.

Here’s how it’s conducted:

  • Problem definition (10 mins): The product owner or manager presents the challenge — like "How might we reduce cart abandonment?" — while each department shares their key constraints and metrics.
  • Individual sketching (10 mins): Each participant sketches solutions from their domain perspective.
  • Presentation & critique (3 mins per person): Team members present their ideas while others provide domain-specific feedback. For instance, marketing might highlight brand consistency issues, while engineering notes technical feasibility.
  • Iteration (10 mins): Cross-functional pairs (like designer + developer) combine their ideas, creating solutions that are both user-friendly and technically viable.
  • Final presentation (5 mins per group): Teams present refined solutions that address multiple perspectives, such as a streamlined checkout that balances security requirements with user experience.

The entire process typically takes 90-120 minutes, depending on team size.

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