Nook – From concept to prototype validation in a four day design sprint.

We were able to validate a product concept with end-users in four days by following the Lean UX design approach, a process which prioritises rapid iteration, user feedback, hypotheses testing, and minimal viable products (MVPs) over extensive (and often expensive) upfront planning and development. It's a collaborative process that involves the entire product team, from designers and developers to stakeholders and marketers.

By combining a four day Design Sprint with Lean UX methodology, we were able to receive feedback from end-users as soon as possible to reduce cost and risk during product development.

SERVICES ON THIS PROJECT

Rapid prototyping and MVP launch
Idea Validation
Brand identity and visual design
Customer research
Strategic product design

THE PROBLEM

The challenge: Unlocking the potential of vacant property in a post-COVID context within a four day design sprint.

As of 2023, there was R2.8bn annual potential gross rental income from current commercial vacancies in South Africa – that’s a lot of empty offices.

The pandemic catalysed a remarkable shift in work culture, with remote and hybrid models becoming the new norm. This change, paired with economic uncertainty and cost-cutting measures, has led businesses to downsize or abandon traditional office spaces. As a result, urban centres are dealing with an oversupply of vacant offices as companies opt for more flexible arrangements or relocate to suburban areas.

We tackled this problem space in the context of a four day design sprint, with the goal of creating a user-validated prototype.

OUR STRATEGY

The Design Sprint: Over four days, we conducted desk and end-user research, interviewed subject matter experts, conceptualised, prototyped, pivoted, tested with users, and created a brand identity.

By leveraging a small, yet multi-talented team, we were able to produce a development-ready prototype and pitch deck ready to share with stakeholders.

Our core strategy involved leveraging the Lean UX process of product validation:

Research problem space
Compile ideas
Wireframe and design prototypes for user feedback
Test and gather feedback from end users, generate more hypotheses
Pivot or adjust idea if needed, we had to make small changes to our original hypotheses based on user feedback (this helps to de-risk your end product)
Presentation-ready to share with to stakeholders, investors or partners

OUR SOLUTION

In just a few days, our team was able to create Nook - a platform connecting owners of vacant spaces with remote workers seeking affordable alternatives by leveraging the concept of Space as a Service.

We followed the Lean UX Process and were able to confidently validate our hypotheses and create a marketable value proposition around the current pain points of remote working spaces, identifying the key audiences for the platform.

We engaged with our end-users throughout the process, de-risking the final prototype and ensuring our team would develop the right thing (all in four days 😃).