Case study: Running a Design Sprint in 8 hours

Hi friends, a couple days ago I saw a contest invite in my LinkedIn from Uxcel to redesign their Certificate of completion. Uxcel is the best organisation that I know of, who allows you to learn UI and UX in such a simple and fast way. Without extra actions. That’s why I really appreciate what they are doing. I decided to get participation. To solve this task I choose the Design Sprint methodology from AJ&Smart agency, but apply it for a 1 day challenge.

Design Sprint plan of 4 days

Step 1. Research current solution

I like to use miro for similar tasks, so I will put screenshots here for easier explaining. After look on current solution I highlighted the main point those required attention:

• company is truth trigger, but difficult to recognise it;
• the biggest text on paper is “Certificate”, I can understand it;
• course title is very important, but here it is small description text;
• a lot of details, not readable on mobile LinkedIn feed;
• looks much modern than competitors;
• bright element, magnet attention;
• stamp allows easy to recognise as certificate;

In general I see it uses company branding colours. And this colours looks clear, I like it. But weight of elements and information hierarchy I propose to update.

Pros and Cons of current solution

Step 2. Define the challenges

The next step is about figuring out challenges of this sprint and defining additional tech requirements. You can see all the points on my screen, but I will write a short list of main requirements and ideas:

• the brand should be recognisable;
• colors and elements should be good for print on paper;
• mobile first, easy to read on small screen (LinkedIn feed for example);
• course information should be in the top of hierarchy;
• to do it much clear, in the best Uxcel traditions;

Issues and possible solutions

Step 3. Generate ideas

Next I built wireframes to vote on the best structure. It contains 4 variants, each of them contains necessary elements (grey) and possible differentiation elements (green). List of necessary elements from Uxcel:

• Uxcel logo
• User’s full name
• Name of completed course
• QR code
• Issue date
• Course creator signature
• Certificate ID

As you can see in the screenshot, for me the winner is the top right wireframe. It has the next features to select it as the best:

• big logo, what can better determine a brand than a clear logo? :)
• name of course is readable well in the any size of preview;
• because of balance of elements it looks as something flying, light and with increasing perspective;
• it contains all of required elements, and looks much clear than other variants;

Solution wireframes to define the best structure

Step 4. Create prototypes and test in real environment

Before I start work on prototypes, I should solve one more important issue: what is a color scheme? Light, Dark or Colorful? You should know a lot of modern certificates today look like gift cards, but not as official paper. Also white background is the best solution for print you certificate, because big solid colors can spoil your paper quality during the print.

Arguments why I select white scheme

Even today, when dark schemes are so popular, a lot of research shows white still better for use in a different way and easiest to read. That’s why in the next screenshot you can read why I select the white.

Grid of possible solution in LinkedIn feed preview

This is my Winner of this small sprint. I tested it and I’m sure it should look well on mobile and printed paper.

Thanks for your opinions, I hope by this example you see Design Sprint is a fantastic methodology to fast solve challenges of any size ;)