Global Virtual Design Sprint - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "Global Virtual Design Sprint"?

The Global Virtual Design Sprint (or GVDS) was created to showcase what practitioners and professionals were capable of doing in a virtual design sprint environment.
‍
Starting with a pilot event in November 2018, the GVDS has evolved into a platform that gives professionals an outlet to learn and practice the design sprint process while collaborating on projects for social good.

The purpose of the Global Virtual Design Sprint is to elevate people to be the best professional versions of themselves on an international stage.

Who is the Global Virtual Design Sprint for? 🤷

The GVDS was designed to introduce the following audiences to the virtual design sprint process and how it could be used with their own work.

Facilitators (and co-facilitators) who are interested in leading a virtual design sprint team
Designers who are looking to showcase what they can do (for their portfolios, upcoming job opportunities, etc.)
Researchers looking to inform our virtual design teams with subject matter expert discussions, 3rd party data and user interviews
Developers who want a more inclusive experience with the work they do for a project team
Full time students looking for a 'learn by doing' approach to design thinking through virtual design sprints
Entrepreneurs wanting to explore the market with different product and service ideas.

What do I get from participating in the GVDS? 🥳

An international team of amazing professionals and practitioners
You'll be collaborating with a diverse set of people from around the world (geographies, skills and cultures). You'll establish chemistry, group dynamics and an appreciation for different perspectives while working on your virtual design sprint.
A 'Learn by doing' approach to virtual design sprints
If you're tired of watching videos, reading articles or taking masterclasses on how to do remote design sprints without actually doing one, then the Global Virtual Design Sprint is for you. You'll actually get to prepare, research, execute and experience a *real* virtual design sprint.
A fast and cheap way to test your ideas in the marketplace.
How do you know if your amazing pancake robot is something people will buy? In the GVDS, we'll be showing participants how to quickly and cheaply test the market to better understand their users and what they really want.
Exposure to new techniques, methods and activities
‍Whether it's using Mural, learning how to do make a map, running a four step sketch or managing a 'sticky decision', the Global Virtual Design Sprint has plenty of opportunities to learn new ways of doing things.
An unbelievable amount of networking opportunities
‍You'll have the chance to network with over 100+ professionals and practitioners who will be joining the Global Virtual Design Sprint. You'll also be introduced to the greater GVDS Community for additional opportunities to connect.

What does the GVDS event schedule look like? 📆

Week 1 (May 3-7, 2021):
We officially start the Global Virtual Design Sprint with a full week of kickoff sessions for all participants. We'll utilize a Team Canvas for teams to get to know one another, followed by an optional 'pretotyping' session to validate/invalidate some early ideas in the market.

Week 2 (May 10-14):
During Week 2, teams will be conducting any number of activities to better understand what they are solving for. These activities include (but aren't limited to) problem framing, subject matter expert (SME) interviews, market research and data analytics. By Friday, they'll be ready to conduct their virtual design sprints in Week 3.

Week 3 (May 17-21):
‍All teams will be doing their virtual design sprints this week, limiting their 'online together' time to 2 hours a day where possible. Participants will be largely working asynchronously, reserving their online time for in-depth discussion, decision making and group activities.

Week 4 (May 24-28):
Our final week of the Global Virtual Design Sprint will showcase several teams interested in presenting their completed projects and prototypes. We'll also announce our Spotlight Awards, where we celebrate outstanding individual and team efforts during the event.

How much of a time commitment do I have to make? ⏰

The Global Virtual Design Sprint will require approximately 40-45 hours of your time in the month of April.The amount of time you'll spend each week will vary, based on your availability, your role, and your level of commitment to your team and the challenge you'll take on.

Here's a complete breakdown of the GVDS6 schedule.‍

‍Week 1 (May 3-7, 2021):

A two hour Kickoff session
A four hour pretotyping session using the Dash (optional)

Week 2 (May 10-14):

3-5 hours of preparation (Problem Framing, Interviews, Research)

Week 3 (May 17-21):

20+ hours of virtual design sprinting (including offline time)

Week 4 (May 24-28):

5-10 hours for showcase preparation and coordination (optional)

What does it cost to participate in the GVDS? 💰

Pricing for the Global Virtual Design Sprint uses different tiers, based on previous participation and timing. While these may be subject to change, here's what we're currently featuring:

$99 USD - Previous GVDS Award Winners (Best of the Best, MVP)
$199 USD - GVDS Alumni, GVDS Referrals and Students
$249 USD - Early bird pricing till February 26, 2021
$299 USD - Discounted rate for partner events
$399 USD - Regular Entry Fee

For those with financial hardships:
We're offering delayed payment with a 'promise to pay' before the next event in September 2021. This offer is only for serious inquiries and will be limited in scope.