Test

+ WHAT IS TEST?

Short-cycle experiments to test ideas and assumptions.

Small experiments are essential to effectively iterate and mobilize innovation. Testing gives you the benefit of failing early to succeed faster. Ideas come alive as client-led test teams conduct short, simple, low-risk experiments to validate assumptions of top ideas.

The Test process is anchored in the best of design thinking and Agile methodologies conducted over a two to four month period in short cycles of 2-week "sprints" and learning consolidations.

Innovation coaches guide Test teams through each step of the prototyping, iterating and testing process to help leaders learn and achieve in “real time.”

Beyond refining and maturing prototypes to ensure successful implementation, testing also engages stakeholders, builds momentum, brings energy and excitement to emerging ideas and solution designs, and expands innovation opportunities.

“A sprint is your chance to check the navigation charts and steer in the right direction before going full steam ahead.” - Jake Knapp, Sprint: How to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days

+ WHY TEST?

• Succeed sooner by working out design kinks early on when stakes are low.
• Explore a broad range of ideas very quickly and cheaply, while learning from customer behavior.
• Decrease risks and costs before large-scale solution implementation.
• Develop new methods to mobilize innovation and sustain change.
• Build continuous momentum to accelerate growth.
• Increase buy-in from key stakeholders.
• Engage leaders and teams to learn and do “real-work.”

+ HOW DOES TEST WORK?

• Up to six business groups are selected to test elements of the prototype.
• Test Teams are extended agents of the design process.
• Each test team selects prototype elements and defines assumptions for testing in short two week “sprints.”
• Teams run their tests to experience what works and what doesn’t.
• Learnings are shared between teams in order to iterate and evolve the prototype elements.
• At the end of the 4 sprint test, teams will share what has been learned and make recommendations to the sponsor team.

+ PROCESS: WHAT HAPPENS IN TEST?

Sponsorship and test planning

• Identify sponsors and test teams
• Test Planning - Prototype Elements, Storyboard & Assumptions, Test Design & Plan
• Test Kick-Off Meeting

Test and Iterate

• Test teams run test sprints and capture learnings
• Test teams revise test approach based on learning from previous sprint
• Innovation coaching check-ins

Share and consolidate learnings

• Share/Consolidate Learnings Sessions - Teams comes together at strategic points throughout the test sprint process to share and consolidate learnings.
• Final Presentation to Sponsors - Test teams participate in a learning consolidation presentation to sponsors.