Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days

As designer Knapp recounts in the preface to this helpful business guide, he spent years feeling unhappy at work; most of his time was being spent on the least important things. Then he went to work at Google, which encourages focusing on the work that matters most. In the process, he learned important lessons about where the best ideas come from—in particular, that nothing forces focus like a deadline. Knapp and coauthors Zeratsky and Kowitz go on to describe the one-week “sprint” process that they use at Google Ventures to help startups. On Monday you map out your process, on Tuesday you sketch out competing solutions, on Wednesday you pick the winning strategy, on Thursday you create a realistic prototype, and on Friday you test your idea with your target customers. The authors walk readers through assembling small teams, learning quickly, using all of your tools, and learning from test cases (including Blue Bottle Coffee and One Medical Group). This workbook is a solid guide to getting unstuck and generating your next great idea. Agent: Christy Fletcher, Fletcher and Company. (Mar.)