In the digital age, where requirements and technologies are constantly evolving, companies are looking for efficient methods to develop innovative solutions. A comparison between a 4-day design sprint, which costs between CHF 20,000 and 35,000, and a traditional approach with a concept phase, UX/UI phase and subsequent prototyping over several months shows that the design sprint is not only faster, but also more cost-efficient and effective.
Faster to the goal: the efficiency of the design sprint
A design sprint is an intensive, structured method that leads from problem definition to solution in just four days. This speed is one of the biggest advantages compared to traditional approaches, which often take several months. The traditional method includes a concept phase in which the requirements are collected and analysed, a UX/UI phase to design the user interfaces and finally a prototyping phase in which the first drafts are created and tested.
While these traditional phases seem important and necessary, they are often time-consuming and do not always lead to better results. Many projects lose momentum in these phases and end up in endless loops of meetings and revisions, leading to delays and increased costs.
Cost efficiency: design sprints save money
The cost of a 4-day design sprint is between CHF 20,000 and 35,000, which may seem high at first glance, but the overall costs are significantly lower compared to traditional approaches. A project lasting several months with a concept phase, UX/UI phase and prototyping can quickly reach six-figure sums. In addition, longer projects often incur hidden costs, such as additional meetings, administrative costs and possible delays.
Design sprints, on the other hand, are clearly structured and designed for efficiency. The team concentrates on the essentials in a short but intensive phase and thus avoids unnecessary expenditure. The rapid development and immediate testing of prototypes allows companies to quickly determine whether an idea is viable and thus avoid costly mistakes.
Better solutions through focussed collaboration
Another major advantage of the design sprint is the way in which the team works together. In a design sprint, experts from different areas come together to work intensively on a solution in a short space of time. This interdisciplinary collaboration encourages creative thinking and often leads to innovative solutions that are difficult to achieve in traditional, cross-departmental approaches.
During a design sprint, the team goes through a series of defined steps: understanding, defining, sketching, deciding, prototyping and testing. Each of these steps is designed to identify the best ideas and quickly turn them into tangible results. By immediately testing prototypes with real users, the team receives direct feedback and can immediately adapt the solutions.
Traditional methods: slow and risky
Traditional methods have their advantages, but are often associated with considerable risks. The lengthy phases of concept creation and UX/UI design can lead to projects losing momentum and the end product not meeting expectations. It is also difficult to react flexibly to changes during the project, which can lead to further delays and costs.
Another disadvantage of traditional methods is the lack of user involvement in the early phases of the project. Testing often only takes place at the end of the prototyping process, which means that valuable feedback is only incorporated late on and changes can be expensive and time-consuming.
Conclusion: Design sprints are the way of the future
To summarise, design sprints are an extremely effective and efficient method for developing innovative solutions quickly. They offer a clear structure, promote collaboration and deliver testable results in the shortest possible time. Compared to traditional methods, they are not only more cost-effective, but also more flexible and adaptable.
Design sprints are therefore an excellent choice for companies that want to remain competitive in today’s fast-moving digital world. They make it possible to react quickly to changes, minimise risks and develop innovative solutions that meet market requirements.
With design sprints, companies can ensure that they not only reach their goal faster, but also more successfully. The investment in a design sprint pays for itself many times over through the insights gained, the improved collaboration and the faster time to market of the solutions.
