Agile. It's everywhere. And it's become the dominant orthodoxy under which many designers are struggling. Why is that? Why do Agile and design often seem to mix like tuna and custard? And why does a methodology that's supposed to speed up innovation actually slow it down? Directly attacking Agile doesn't help. Tom will share some ways he's made this very mistake. But there is hope! He'll also share some tried and tested Trojan Horses that you can use right away to sneak agility back into Agile, opening the gates to innovation and creativity.
People
Tom Kerwin
Methods
Insight SynthesisTurning raw notes, clips and data into shared findings — affinity mapping, themes, opportunity areas — so research informs decisions rather than sitting unused.
WhiteboardingCollaborative sketching and structuring of ideas on a shared board (physical or digital) to explore options, align a group and create a visible shared model of the problem or solution.
Workshop FacilitationWorkshop facilitation guides a group towards a shared outcome without imposing the facilitator’s preferred answer. Define the purpose, prepare activities and materials, and create opportunities for everyone to contribute. Combine individual thinking with discussion when helpful, listen for different perspectives and adjust the plan to the group’s needs. Record decisions and clarify who will take the next steps. Use facilitation when a team must explore a problem, generate ideas or agree actions together; successful participation matters as much as the visible workshop outputs.