Manifestos/Principles

Principle Creation Sprint

Principles often need rapid creation, not slow consensus. The Principle Creation Sprint generates 15-25 design principles in 2.5 hours. Use this intensive exercise for new product launches, team formations, or strategic pivots. Expect high energy during generation and debate during refinement. The 145-minute duration forces decisions. Principles will feel both aspirational and grounded.

Duration
2.4 hours
Group Size
10-18
Category
Manifestos/Principles
Difficulty
Easy
Generate 40-60 raw principle ideas fast. Consolidate these into 15-25 distinct principles. Test principles against real decisions. Create initial documentation.
Rapidly generated design principles. Fresh principles from a focused sprint. A foundation for further refinement.
Push for volume during idea generation. Testing principles against real decisions is key. Balance speed with quality. Sometimes, the testing phase reveals a principle isn't as useful as you thought. That's okay!

  1. Context Setting (15 min): Define the scope and constraints. 2. Individual Generation (25 min): Each person writes principle ideas on sticky notes. 3. Clustering (30 min): Group similar ideas and identify patterns. 4. Principle Drafting (40 min): Write clear principle statements for each cluster. 5. Testing (25 min): Apply principles to real scenarios to see if they work. 6. Refinement (10 min): Polish wording and prioritize the principles.

Unlock Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.


  • Sticky notes (200+)

  • Markers

  • Large wall space

  • Principle template

  • Test scenarios

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

Unlock Resources & Templates

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Discussion

0/2000
Loading comments...

Related Exercises

See all exercises

Manifesto Refinement

1.3 hours

You have a draft manifesto. Now, make it powerful. Manifesto Refinement transforms initial statements into memorable, actionable, and distinctive prin...

Manifestos/principles

Inconsistency Audit

1.8 hours

Your design system's principles aren't consistently followed? The Inconsistency Audit finds where current work violates those principles. This reveals...

Manifestos/principles

Tensions

2 hours

Tensions exist between speed and quality, innovation and reliability, user needs and business goals. This exercise surfaces those competing values. It...

Manifestos/principles