product exploration & evolution

1 Broadway. 14th floorCambridge MA 02142

Facilitated by Jay Hanaford and Mike Tuccinard

Beer & Brainstorming

Product Exploration and Evolution

[email protected]

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Beer & Brainstorming is an opportunity for the Big Studio team to explore design thinking principles and use rapid brainstorming exercises to get to unique solutions. �

Oh, we also sample delicious beers from around the world!

ABOUT THE SESSION

What is Beer & Brainstorming?

BRAINSTORM �& SKETCH

RESEARCH & INSPIRATION

COLLABORATE COMMUNICATE

5 min. 10 min. 20 min. 25 min.

ABOUT THE SESSION

OVERVIEW

Our Beer & Brainstorming session was held with the Startup Institute Boston and involved product exploration and evolution. After iterating on ideas through collaboration and customer feedback, different teams were able to brew up final product designs to pitch.

FINAL SKETCH

15 min.

Coffee Cup

1st product

Sneakers

2nd product

Toothbrush

3rd product

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STEP 1: BRAINSTORM IDEAS

To kick off the session, individuals were asked to pick a product idea out of a hat.


Then, one person from each group was asked to pick a theme, forming 3 randomized products:

Coffee Cup “that makes me smarter” Sneakers “that increase my strength” Toothbrush “that entertains me”


SKETCH!

Individuals were given 5 minutes to produce sketches to capture their product ideas.

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STEP 2: RESEARCH & INSPIRATION

Next, we asked individuals to evolve their ideas by using a laptop or smartphone to research their product. For example, is there a similar product already on the market? What is an example of “entertainment”? �Each had 5 min. for research and inspiration and another 5 min. to come up with a new sketch.

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STEP 3: COLLABORATE

Next, Individuals grouped up with others who had their product, forming 3 teams. It was encouraged to work together and discuss thoughts and ideas. ��A decision should then be made to either use someone’s idea from a previous step, a combination of ideas or a completely new sketch.

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STEP 4: COMMUNICATE

Using the customer feedback handout, teams were then asked to solicit others and pitch their product idea. What are the initial thoughts? What would they like to see added to the product? What could change? Questions were asked and feedback was given to further evolve their product.

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STEP 5: FINAL SKETCH

Using the collected feedback, teams then refined their ideas further and sketched a final product design.

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The sketches from the entire session were pinned up for everyone to see, forming a funnel of ideas. Each team presented and discussed their final design. How did it evolve? Was there potentially a better design from a previous step? What were some of the challenges along the way?

STEP 5: FINAL SKETCH

By using techniques such as brainstorming, inspiration and collaboration, you’ll find that you can push your thoughts and ideas even further, making the initial design process not only easier, but fun. Exploring ideas is the key to good product design.

But these methods don’t always have a chronological outcome. Thinkers should look back through the evolution of ideas that were explored. Could there have been a different, or even better idea? Use your best judgment. If you feel that you’ve pushed your idea too far, you’re probably doing it right.

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CONCLUSION: WHAT WAS THE TAKEAWAY?

We produced a handout full of helpful tips "for attendees to take along with them.

Join us for our next [email protected]