{"id":8591,"date":"2019-03-07T07:00:36","date_gmt":"2019-03-07T12:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/?p=8591"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:12:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T17:12:07","slug":"design-sprint-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/design-sprint-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Liberating Structures Design Sprint Plan Contributed by Alumni and Guest, Douglas Ferguson"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Using Methods From Liberating Structures to Create a Robust Design Sprint Plan<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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MG RUSH<\/strong>\u00a0welcomes\u00a0Douglas Ferguson<\/strong> as an Endorsed Facilitator and Guest writer. Douglas is an expert in Design Sprints and how to facilitate a Design Sprint Plan. He is highly regarded for start-up inspired strategies and innovation transformation. A proven and successful CTO in his past life, Douglas has a passion for helping organizations solve tough problems through powerful group decision-making methods. Douglas prioritizes the human aspects of any challenge, believing that innovation is driven by listening to users and uncovering diverse perspectives.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This is part of Douglas' workshop recipe series where he shares methods for facilitating successful workshops. Here he breaks down the essentials of a Liberated Design Sprint Plan. This article originally appeared on <\/i>voltagecontrol.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/i><\/span>(Reprinted here with Douglas Ferguson's permission)<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Liberating

<\/p>\n

Using a set of appropriate Liberating Structures is useful for Design Sprint planning.<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Planning is critical for a successful Design Sprint. In fact, I wrote an article with tips on\u00a0how to plan a successful Design Sprint<\/span><\/a>. When building an agenda, it\u2019s helpful to get stakeholders together in a structured manner to create an effective plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

This planning recipe is designed using Liberating Structures (LS) to accommodate a large group of stakeholders and still result in a concise and cohesive plan for your Sprint.<\/span><\/p>\n

Liberating What?<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Liberating Structures<\/a>\u00a0is a menu of 33 activities or \u201cmicrostructures\u201d that you can use in meetings or workshops. It was created by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Liberating

<\/p>\n

Liberating Structures is a menu of 33 activities that groups can use for better workshops, meetings and planning sessions.<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n

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Recommended Liberating Structures for a Design Sprint Plan<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

9 Whys for a Design Sprint Plan Goal | 20\u00a0mins<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

What it is:\u00a0<\/b>The\u00a09 Whys<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is an activity to help you quickly reveal a compelling purpose and move forward with clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why we use it:\u00a0<\/b>It helps clients articulate their Design Sprint goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Method Steps<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Craft an opening question using the template \u201cWhat do you do when working on ____\u201d or something custom.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Break the group into pairs.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Each pair selects one person to be the interviewer.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. First, the interviewer asks the opening question.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Next, the interviewer seeks a deeper answer by repeating versions of the question: \u201cWhy is that important to you?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>5min<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
  6. After 5 minutes, switch roles and repeat the previous step.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Each pair shares the experience and insights with another pair in a foursome.\u00a0<\/span>5min<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Invite the whole group to reflect by asking, \u201cHow do our purposes influence the next steps we take?\u201d<\/span>\u00a05 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Liberating<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

    Wicked Questions |\u00a025\u00a0min<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

    What it is:\u00a0<\/b>Wicked Questions<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is an activity designed to reveal organizational challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Why we use it:\u00a0<\/b>I use this method to uncover some of the key tensions that our Design Sprint will reveal.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Method Steps<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
      \n
    1. Introduce the benefits of Wicked Questions.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Present example questions such as, \u201cHow is it that you are raising your children to be very loyal\/attached to the family and very independent individuals simultaneously?<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Introduce the following template: \u201cHow is it that we are\u00a0\u2026 and we are\u00a0\u2026 simultaneously?\u201d<\/span>\u00a05 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Have each participant generate pairs of opposites at play in his\/her work using the format.<\/span>\u00a05 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
    5. In small groups, generate additional pairs of opposites at play.\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
    6. Each group selects its most impactful Wicked Question.\u00a0<\/span>5 min<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
    7. Share back with the whole group.<\/span>\u00a05 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
    8. The group picks out the most powerful questions and further refines them.\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Ecocycle Planning |\u00a095\u00a0min<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

      What it is:\u00a0<\/b>Ecocycle Planning<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is where you review and prioritize all of your current initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Why we use it:\u00a0<\/b>It gets everyone on the same page before the Sprint about initiatives in-flight, as well as what is and isn\u2019t working.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \"\"

      Liberating Structures, Design Sprint Planning, Liberated Design Sprint Plan<\/p><\/div>\n

      Method Steps<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
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      1. Introduce the idea of the Ecocycle.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Hand out a blank map to each participant.\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Participants generate individual activity lists: \u201cFor your working group or department, make a list of all the activities that occupy your time.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      4. Work in pairs to decide the placement of every activity in the Ecocycle.\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      5. Form groups of four and finalize the placement of activities on the map.\u00a0<\/span>15 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      6. Each group puts its activities on Post-it notes. Create a whole-room map by having all of the groups place their Post-its on a larger map.\u00a0<\/span>15 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      7. Instruct the group to step back and digest the pattern of placements.<\/span>\u00a05 min<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      8. Ask: \u201cWhat activities do we need to stop to move forward? What activities do we need to start to move forward?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      9. In small groups, create a first action step for each activity that needs to be stopped.\u00a0<\/span>(10 min. or more)<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      10. In small groups, create a first action step for each activity that needs to start<\/span>\u00a0(10 min. or more)<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
      11. Ask the groups to quickly discuss the activities that lack consensus. When possible, create first-action steps for each one.\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Purpose to Practice |\u00a0120\u00a0min<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

        What it is:\u00a0<\/b>Purpose to Practice is an activity to help a group create their shared purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Why we use it:\u00a0<\/b>It helps us define five essential elements before a Sprint: purpose, principles, participants, structure, and practices.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Method Steps<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
          \n
        1. Introduce Purpose to Practice by explaining that the group will explore five elements: Purpose, Principals, Participants, Structure, Practices<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Hand out blank worksheets.\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        3. Begin with purpose by asking, \u201cWhy is the work important to you and the larger community?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
        4. Use 1\u20132\u20134 All to generate individual ideas and stories for purpose. (1\u20132\u20134-All refers to working alone, then in pairs, then foursomes, and finally as a whole group.)<\/span>\u00a010 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        5. Ask, \u201cHas this element shed new light that suggests revisions to previous elements?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        6. For principles, ask: \u201cWhat rules must we absolutely obey to succeed in achieving our purpose?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
        7. Use 1\u20132\u20134 All to generate, amplify, and finalize ideas for principles.<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        8. Ask, \u201cHas this element shed new light that suggests revisions to previous elements?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        9. For participants, ask: \u201cWho can contribute to achieving our purpose and must be included?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
        10. Use 1\u20132\u20134 All to generate, amplify, and finalize ideas for participants.<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        11. Ask, \u201cHas this element shed new light that suggests revisions to previous elements?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        12. For structure ask: \u201cHow must we organize (both macro- and microstructures) and distribute control to achieve our purpose?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
        13. Use 1\u20132\u20134 All to generate, amplify, and finalize ideas for structure.<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        14. Ask, \u201cHas this element shed new light that suggests revisions to previous elements?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        15. For practices, ask: \u201cWhat are we going to do? What will we offer to our users\/clients and how will we do it?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
        16. Use 1\u20132\u20134 All to generate, amplify, and finalize ideas for practices.<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
        17. Ask, \u201cHas this element shed new light that suggests revisions to previous elements?\u201d<\/span>\u00a05 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Critical Uncertainties That Might Upset a Design Sprint | 100\u00a0min<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

          What it is:\u00a0<\/b>Critical Uncertainties<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/b>is a way to reveal the issues that are both fundamental to success, but also full of unknowns.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Why we use it:<\/b>\u00a0It helps us understand some of the biggest questions and challenges a group has coming into a Sprint.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \"LiberatingMethod Steps<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
            \n
          1. Invite participants to make a list of uncertainties by asking, \u201cIn your work, what factors are impossible to predict or control?\u201d<\/span>\u00a05 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Prioritize these factors by asking, \u201cWhich factors threaten your\/our ability to operate successfully?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          3. From that list pick the top 2 factors that are both critical and uncertain.<\/span>\u00a05 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          4. Create a grid with two axes, for your 2 top factors ( X & Y).<\/span><\/li>\n
          5. Label one end of both axes with a \u201cmore of X\/Y\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
          6. Label the opposite end of both axes with a \u201cless of X\/Y\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
          7. Four quadrants are created.\u00a0<\/span>5 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          8. Each of the groups creatively names and writes a short description for one of the quadrants.\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          9. The groups share their names & descriptions.<\/span>\u00a02 min. each<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          10. Each group brainstorms three strategies that would help the group operate successfully in the scenario.<\/span>\u00a010 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          11. The four groups share their strategies briefly.<\/span>\u00a02 min. each<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          12. The whole group identifies which strategies are robust (strategies that can succeed in multiple quadrants) and which are hedging (strategies that can succeed in only one scenario but protect you from a plausible calamity).\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          13. Each small group debriefs with What, So What, Now What?\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
          14. The four groups share their debriefs and the whole group makes first-steps decisions about their Now What.\u00a0<\/span>10 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            What, So What, Now What? |\u00a045\u00a0min<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

            What it is:\u00a0<\/b>What, So What, Now What?<\/span><\/a>\u00a0helps groups reflect on a shared experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Why we use it:<\/b>\u00a0It gets many key issues on the table before jumping into a Sprint.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \"\"

            Liberating Structures, Design Sprint Planning, Liberated Design Sprint Planning<\/p><\/div>\n

            <\/i>Method Steps<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
              \n
            1. Individuals write down observations stood out.\u00a0<\/span>1 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            2. In a small group discuss observations for\u00a0<\/span>2\u20137 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            3. Small groups share with the whole group<\/span>\u00a02\u20133 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            4. Capture the important WHATs on a whiteboard.<\/span><\/li>\n
            5. Individuals write down patterns, hypotheses, and conclusions.\u00a0<\/span>1 min<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            6. In a small group discuss patterns, hypotheses, and conclusions<\/span>\u00a02\u20137 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            7. Small groups share with the whole group.\u00a0<\/span>2\u20135 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            8. Capture the important SO WHATs on a whiteboard.<\/span><\/li>\n
            9. Individuals write down next steps\u00a0<\/span>1 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            10. In a small group discuss next steps<\/span>\u00a02\u20137 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            11. Small groups share with the whole group.\u00a0<\/span>2\u201310 min.<\/i><\/span><\/li>\n
            12. Capture the important NOW WHATs on a whiteboard.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              These are six Liberating Structures that Douglas has found useful to use with clients when planning a Design Sprint. Have other activities or methods that you like to leverage? Let us know!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

              ______<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

              Don\u2019t ruin your career or reputation with bad meetings<\/a>. Therefore, register now<\/a> <\/strong><\/span><\/span>for a class or forward this to someone who should. Taught by world-class instructors, MG RUSH<\/a><\/em> professional facilitation curriculum focuses on practice. Each student thoroughly practices and rehearses tools, methods, and approaches\u00a0throughout the week. While some call this immersion, we call it the road to building impactful facilitation skills. #meetingresults<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

              ______<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

              With Bookmarks no longer a feature in WordPress, we need to append the following for your benefit and reference<\/span><\/p>\n