Solution Sketch

Purpose

The Solution Sketch produces a detailed, self-explanatory concept drawing from each participant. Unlike rapid ideation sketches, this exercise demands enough detail that someone could understand the concept from the sketch alone. It levels the playing field between verbal and visual thinkers and produces concrete proposals ready for comparison and testing.

At a glance

• Group size: 3–10
• Duration: 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Facilitation style: Silent individual work followed by structured critique
• Setting: Table with paper, markers, and quiet focus time

How to run

1. Review context (5 min): Revisit the problem statement, design criteria, and any research insights. Ensure everyone has the same foundation.
2. Sketch individually (20 min): Each participant creates a detailed solution sketch on one or more sheets. Include: a title, a 3-step storyboard or annotated diagram, key features, and how the user interacts. No talking during this phase.
3. Gallery display (2 min): Post all sketches on the wall, anonymously if desired.
4. Silent critique (5 min): Everyone walks the gallery and places dot stickers on elements they find compelling. No discussion yet.
5. Speed critique (3 min): The facilitator briefly narrates each sketch based on the dot patterns. Creators may clarify briefly.

Materials needed

• A3 or A4 paper (multiple sheets per person)
• Markers, pens, pencils
• Dot stickers (3–5 per person)
• Wall space for gallery display
• Timer

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Sketch not self-explanatory: If it needs a verbal explanation, add annotations, titles, or a 1-2-3 flow.
• Not enough time: 20 minutes feels long but is necessary for detail. Do not shorten.
• Group discussion too early: The silent critique prevents anchoring bias and gives every sketch equal attention.
• Artistic intimidation: Reassure participants that clarity matters more than beauty.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Accept written proposals as an alternative to visual sketches.
• Provide templates with pre-drawn device frames or layout grids to reduce blank-page anxiety.
• Read gallery sketches aloud for visually impaired participants.

Variations

• Three-panel storyboard sketch: Require exactly three panels showing before, during, and after the interaction.
• Solution sketch + superhero vote: Each person gets one "superhero" vote (counts double) and two regular votes.
• Digital solution sketch: Use tablets or Figma for participants who think better digitally.

When NOT to use this

• When rapid divergence is needed — use 6-to-1 or Crazy 8s instead.
• When the team has not done enough research to inform detailed proposals.
• When the solution space is purely technical (code architecture, algorithms) and sketching adds no value.

Source & further reading

• Knapp, Jake — *Sprint* (Simon & Schuster, 2016)
• Buxton, Bill — *Sketching User Experiences* (Morgan Kaufmann, 2007)
• Greenberg et al. — *Sketching User Experiences: The Workbook* (Morgan Kaufmann, 2011)