What you need for a Design Sprint
Whether you’re running your first Design Sprint or your fiftieth, the right setup makes all the difference. Here’s the tried-and-tested kit I use every time.
The Sprint book
Start with the source. Sprint by Jake Knapp (with John Zeratsky and Braden Kowitz) is the original playbook from Google Ventures. It’s still the best foundation.
Post-its
Only use large, light yellow Post-its — and make sure they’re the genuine 3M ones.
Cheaper alternatives lose their stick halfway through the day (and your ideas end up on the floor).
Timer
On Monday and Tuesday, your focus should be in the room, not on your laptop.
A large, visible timer helps everyone stay on track without checking screens.
Sharpies
Sharpies aren’t just for looking cool. The thick line forces clarity and confidence in your sketches — no tiny notes, no perfectionism.
Fat lines win.
Scissors
You’ll need these to cut out voting dots or prototype pieces.
Simple, but essential.
Voting dots
Small dots for sprint voting.
Use contrasting colours so they stand out — avoid yellow on yellow!
- Red (8mm) for regular votes
- Green (13mm) for the Decider vote
Blu-tack
To stick up sketches and notes during the sprint.
It’s flexible, reusable, and much better than tape for temporary walls.
Paper
Plain A4 or A3 paper for the sketching exercises on Tuesday.
Keep plenty on hand — you’ll use more than you think.
Optional extras
- Whiteboard cleaner (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later)
- Snacks — good sprints need good fuel
- A solid playlist to keep the energy up
What would you include?
