AI Design Sprint: Process Automation

Identify process automation quickly and easily using AI, even without tech skills

The AI Design Sprint™ workshop aims to bridge the gap between business and AI technology by identifying processes that can be automated with artificial intelligence and developing solution concepts as a team in just a few days.

AI Design Sprint Process Automation FrameworkHover Image

Based on the principles of the Google Design Sprint, this approach combines Design Thinking, Service Systems Design, and Artificial Intelligence. It is widely used by top companies and institutions such as Bayer, Fraunhofer, Porsche, SAP, VW, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, and many others!

BEFORE OUR COLLABORATION

Don’t know where to start with AI and process automation?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, it is not uncommon for numerous companies to face similar challenges.

Problem

Overwhelmed by AI

The tech industry is changing quickly, especially in the area of artificial intelligence, which can make it hard to know where to start.

Problem

Lack of applicability

Companies often underestimate AI’s potential and fail to recognize its role in automation, resulting in missed opportunities across industries and company sizes.

Problem

No repeatable method

Innovation in AI without a clear method leads to a “Wild West” mentality, characterized by confusion, inefficiencies, and a lack of progress.

Problem

Incorrect knowledge

Businesses often lack awareness of AI and the opportunities it brings. Additionally, not enough time is dedicated to this topic.

Problem

AI adoption challenge

Achieving the best business and technical fit for processes with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) can be challenging.

Problem

Missing resources

Companies lack the competencies and motivation to invest in new technologies, especially in AI, because they see it as too risky.

AI enables you to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and unlock growth and innovation, revolutionizing your work and achieving remarkable advancements for your organization.

15 minutes. 100% obligation-free.

ACCELERATE AI ADOPTION

Why run an process automation AI Design Sprint?

The AI Design Sprint™ offers participants playful, structured experiences that yield impressive results. How?

Straightforward method

This straightforward innovation method, incorporating Design Thinking elements, fosters cross-functional collaboration and delivers reliable outcomes with ease.

AI Design Sprint MethodHover Image
Parts of our Miro template

With our expertise in AI technologies and creative methods, we design memorable and enjoyable workshops, whether online or on-site.

AI method cards

The AI Cards are an excellent tool for understanding the possibilities of AI and for developing application concepts using the card-sorting method.

AI Design Sprint CardsHover Image
The AI Cards

These cards cover a wide range of use cases and provide a comprehensive overview, making it easy for users to understand and explore how to apply them to their business, job, or any other activity.

What can AI Design Sprints be used for?

AI Design Sprints™ provide a remarkably fast return on investment by eliminating the costs associated with context switching, communication challenges, inefficient knowledge transfer, and unnecessary back and forth.

 

AI Sprints maintains the team’s exclusive focus on a specific challenge: the AI Process Automation challenge, resulting in impressive outcomes.

Overview of Artificial Intelligence
The AI Design Sprint provides a clear and easy-to-understand overview of the current state of Artificial Intelligence (AI), even for those without technical knowledge.
Test New AI Ideas
AI Design Sprints are an effective method for rapidly testing your ideas.
AI Process Automation
An AI Design Sprint is a great tool for identifying processes within your company that can be automated using artificial intelligence.
Solve Big Problems Together
AI Design Sprints humanize projects by bringing people together to collaborate, rather than relying on email communication and unproductive meetings.
Repeatable AI Innovation
Every company needs a repeatable process for transforming new AI process automation ideas into lower costs and higher profits. The AI Design Sprint is a well-established method for addressing business automation queries by designing, prototyping, and testing ideas with users.
Achieve Alignment
Cross-functional teams find it hard to align with common AI business objectives. Alignment is the big unexpected benefit of an AI Design Sprint.
Create a Strategic Plan
The AI Design Sprint can be a valuable tool for quickly planning a successful AI strategy.
Learn from Users
The AI Design Sprint efficiently validates new ideas through user testing, allowing you to assess their viability before committing significant resources to development.

PROCESS AND MODULES

What is the process like?

The Process Automation AI Design Sprint module follows a specific timeline. The initial phases, AI Mapping, Framing, and Concept Development, offer three options to start your next AI project (please refer to the FAQs below: 3 potential entry points). These phases help identify processes that can be automated with artificial intelligence and generate AI solution concepts. This is then followed by the Tech Check and Prototype phases, where the solutions generated during the workshop are thoroughly evaluated by AI experts to create an initial roadmap for the prototype and proceed with its development in the subsequent step.

AI Design Sprint Process Automation ModulesHover Image

Put aside the technology and explore how the AI Design Sprint™ connects business and AI thinking to generate additional value.

Start reaping the benefits of AI today, not tomorrow.

AFTER OUR COLLABORATION

You after working with us: Achieved AI process automation success

Solution

Current state of AI

You will gain an overview of the current state of artificial intelligence.

Solution

Potential AI applications

You identify possible applications of AI in your company.

Solution

Start with clarity

You provide the impetus for innovation and your teams know where to start.

Solution

Faster implementation

A short implementation time is crucial for staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Solution

De-risked AI projects

Our methods will significantly minimize the risk for your AI process automation development.

Solution

Cost reduction

Using AI process automation can reduce both time and resource costs.

Solution

Better team collaboration

Leads to enhanced processes, increased success, improved communication, and greater innovation.

Solution

Repeatable innovation

Utilize our repeatable methods to transform innovative AI concepts into practical and impactful solutions.

Solution

More agility

Adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving business world by enhancing automation processes.

HOW IT WORKS

How does the process automation AI Sprint work?

The AI Design Sprint™ is an enhanced version of the Design Sprint developed by Google Ventures. It has been further improved with methods from design thinking, service systems design, and artificial intelligence by our Danish AI Design Agency Partner, 33A, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence process automation. We use a framework of user-friendly tools and methods to facilitate effective exploration, knowledge acquisition, and co-development of AI solutions. This approach ensures successful outcomes for you and your team.

Step 1 - AI Opportunity Mapping

Step 1

Workshop for non-technical individuals

Discover Al Opportunities

We collaborate to explore how AI can bring value to your company and pinpoint potential areas where AI process automation can be implemented.

Step 2 - Framing

Step 2

Workshop for non-technical individuals

Framing

We examine the potential opportunities to define a strategy for progress. Your business objectives and technological capabilities form the basis for this framework.

Step 3 - Concept Development

Step 3

Workshop for non-technical individuals

Concept Development

We collaborate to design AI solution concepts, considering user testing, and ethical perspectives, and evaluating different approaches.

Step 4 - Tech Check

Step 4

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Work

Tech Check (Assesment)

We evaluate the feasibility of the ideas by conducting structured SME interviews with you, along with creating an implementation roadmap.

Step 5 - Prototype

Step 5

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Work

Prototype

A prototype can be developed as a proof of concept and tested with real users, either as a web application or a similar solution.

What is the outcome?

2 AI solution concepts

AI Deisgn Sprint Outcome - Two AI Solution ConceptsHover Image

At the end of the collaborative process, you will have developed 1 or 2 AI solution concepts that generate value in your target area. You will have identified key AI tasks, integrated them into a logical and value-driven workflow, and named the final product. Depending on the module scope, you will also have obtained an overview of the necessary data and conducted ethics checks for your use cases.

What happens after an AI Sprint?

AI Design Sprint PrototypeHover Image

After conducting a technical check in a standardized manner, an AI project roadmap can be created. The technical feasibility check can be carried out by your experts or by us. Next, a technical prototype can be developed, starting from data exploration and culminating in a web app, within approximately 7 days.

OUR OFFER

What you get from us

We are a specialized Design Sprint Studio with a team of experts who are skilled at working within the fast-paced process of an AI Design Sprint. Here is what we offer:

Pre Design Sprint researchHover Image

Pre-flight AI
Sprint Research

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1-2 Weeks AI
Design Sprint

AI Solution ConceptsHover Image

1-2 AI Solution
Concepts

AI PrototypeHover Image

AI
Prototype

Accomplished AI AutomationHover Image

Accomplished
Automation

AI Road MapHover Image

Al Project
Roadmap

AI Ethics CheckHover Image

AI Ethics
Check

Design Sprint handoverHover Image

Project Handover
from DSS

What we need from you

We will help you maximize the benefits of your AI Design Sprint. All you need to bring are your ideas, expertise, and energy.

Project leader or decider is necessary for Design SprintsHover Image

Project Leader
or Decider

You need a business idea or challenge for a Design SprintHover Image

Business Idea or
Challenge

Mixed team of experts for Design SprintsHover Image

Mixed Team
of your Experts

Design Sprint scheduleHover Image

2 Days of
your Time

We empower your organization to confidently discover new ways of working, make better decisions, uncover opportunities for AI innovation, and create more efficient processes.

Take your business processes to the next level. Start now!

RIGIT MINDSET

You have 2 options now

Project without AI Design Sprint

AI can be challenging

No AI knowledge building

No AI concept solutions

Endless meetings

Frustration and stress

50-250K salaries

Untested result

Project with AI Design Sprint

Beginner-friendly method

Learning by Doing with ease

Time-efficient AI concepts

Focus and clear direction

Happiness and productivity

Cost and time savings

Prototype with feedback

In a rapidly changing business world, companies must innovate to stay ahead. However, every moment of inaction or misdirection is a missed opportunity.

Take your business to the next level. Get started today!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have never heard of AI Design Sprints or innovation methods in general, this section offers assistance with the most frequently asked questions regarding the AI Design Sprint: Process Automation. If you have any other inquiries, feel free to contact us via phone, chat, or email.

What is an AI Design Sprint?

The AI Design Sprint™ is inspired by Google’s Design Sprint. It has been enhanced with additional methods from design thinking, service systems design, and artificial intelligence, courtesy of our Danish AI Design Agency Partner, 33A.

The primary goal of an AI Design Sprint is to fast-track AI process or product development, validate ideas, and reduce the risk of failure without building and launching the actual product. Additionally, you can eliminate complex technical jargon and adopt a straightforward, efficient framework designed by experts. This approach is both playful and practical, and no technical expertise is required, just an open mind and a desire to revolutionize your business.

 

If you want to learn more, we have an article that covers AI Design Sprints in detail.

What is an AI Design Sprint for process automation?

Based on the principles of the Google Design Sprint, the AI Design Sprint™ workshop format aims to bridge the gap between business and AI technology. Its goal is to identify processes that can be automated with artificial intelligence and develop AI solution concepts as a team, in just a few days, without requiring technical knowledge. It combines Design Thinking, Service Systems Design, and Artificial Intelligence.

Where to start with AI for process automation? 3 potential entry points.

If you want to automate business processes with AI, whether you have identified them or not, there are three possible starting points for your process automation project.

 

A: The first option is to utilize AI Opportunity Mapping, which involves examining the entire organization to identify processes that can be automated.

 

B: Another starting point is our Framing method, where you focus on a specific department, such as HR, to identify the most valuable process to automate.

 

C: Lastly, if the process that needs to be automated is already clear, we can proceed directly to concept development.

 

No matter what your situation is, there is a suitable approach for you to pursue process automation.

 

In the paragraphs that follow, we will provide a more detailed description of the potential entry points and the general course of the process.

 

1. AI Opportunity Mapping

 

🔄 Entry point A: You may be uncertain about where to begin applying AI. You hold a leading position within the organization and have a holistic view of its operations. Alternatively, this scenario could involve an in-house transformation team seeking to identify the next AI project or perform an AI assessment of the organization.

 

💡 Our method: The starting point is the organizational diagram method. During this phase, the team identifies the most valuable processes within the company that can be automated. The AI Opportunity Mapping approach offers a systematic method for this purpose.

 

2. Framing

 

🔄  Entry point B: You are the department head, for instance, who is interested in exploring the potential of AI in your department.

 

💡 Our method: The starting point is your department that has been mapped out, along with its overall tasks. During the Framing session, we identify the areas where AI can provide the most value. Next, we move on to Concept Development.

 

3. Concept Development

 

🔄  Entry point C: Together, we have already specified a work process, or you may have come from the previous phases where you identified the process to be automated.

 

💡 Our method: The starting point is the mapped-out process from the framing session mentioned above. The team will develop holistic automation solution concepts for the identified process using our AI Cards. They will visualize and define the remodeled process and conduct an ethical check.

 

Once the concept development phase is complete, we will conduct an assessment. This is always the final step in the workshop, regardless of where you started. The team responsible for developing the AI solution concept also evaluates its technical feasibility, as well as its value for the employee and the business or business case.

AI Design Sprint: Process Automation vs. Design Sprint: What's the difference?

Yes, there is a difference. The goal of the AI Design Sprint: Process Automation is to identify processes that can be automated using artificial intelligence and develop AI solution concepts as a team, without the need for technical knowledge.

 

On the other hand, the Design Sprint by Google is a distinct method for answering critical business questions by creating a realistic prototype of an idea and testing it with actual users.

Who is an AI Design Sprint for?

We conduct AI Design Sprints™ with individual companies or with mixed company and industry clusters. During an initial discussion, we will clarify the specific requirements and collaboratively determine which workshop elements are necessary for you.

Do AI Sprints also work for large corporations?

Yes, the AI Design Sprint is ideal for challenges in start-ups, medium-sized businesses, or large corporations. All you need is a relevant process automation challenge and an interdisciplinary team.

Why Sprint?

Unorganized brainstorms tend to favor extroverts over introverts and to place importance on quantity over quality. In summary, they are an unsuitable choice for coming up with necessary solutions.

 

Below are the main reasons you should opt for the AI Design Sprint approach instead:

 

✅ In sprints, group and individual tasks can coexist peacefully and effectively. Structured, timed exercises promote a variety of perspectives and developed ideas (with distractions reduced to the barest minimum).

 

✅ You get a tangible and reproducible problem-solving process that you can use whenever you want to advance your business process automation ideas.

 

✅ Obtaining authentic feedback from your target users allows you to advocate design based on data and not bias or intuition.

 

✅ Before investing a lot of time and money, you can secure buy-in from stakeholders right from the start.

 

✅ As a result, you will get anAI solution that has been prototyped and tested.

What are the core principles of the AI Design Sprint?

1. Working Together Alone (removing personal biases and levelling the playing field)

➡️ The group works in the same room, while each person has time and space to form their own individual ideas and thoughts.

 

☝️ Why? To equalize different personalities and levels of hierarchy.

 

2. Tangible (ideas) over Discussion

➡️ Instead of discussing and trying to convince others of our point of view, we let the ideas speak for themselves by writing, sketching or showing examples.

 

☝️ Why? To avoid different interpretations & misunderstandings.

 

3. Getting Started over Being Right

➡️ Rather than waiting until we all agree that everything is “perfect”, we make decisions, move forward, and test our hunches quickly.

 

☝️ Why? To break the cycle of decision paralysis & make some progress!

 

4. Don’t rely on creativity

➡️ Instead of expecting each person to “feel” creative at the right moment, we use the process to inspire, inform and prepare for idea generation.

 

☝️ Why? Because creativity is unpredictable.

Are AI Design Sprints just for designers or tech companies?

You may have heard a thousand times that designers started Design Sprints. While that may be true, anyone in any industry can use this method. Anybody who hopes to advance their processes and business can run Design Sprints.

 

Below you will find an article that discusses the issue, but it focuses on Design Sprints in general rather than AI Design Sprints specifically.

 

Read on to find out more about the biggest misconception about Design Sprints.

Why using an external facilitator or consultant?

Every company encounters complex situations, significant challenges, or risky circumstances. Teams must make critical decisions and achieve alignment quickly. As facilitation specialists, we are here to provide unbiased and structured support. Utilizing an external facilitator or consultant enables you to prevent potentially explosive situations and effectively manage difficult personalities and emotions within a group.

 

For more information, please read our comprehensive article on why an external facilitator should run your next Design Sprint.

What about running a fully remote AI Sprint?

Organizations and companies often face the challenge of maintaining a rapid pace of innovation while working with distributed teams. Fortunately, a fully remote AI Design Sprint can provide an ideal solution.

 

With the availability of necessary tools, we guide you through each step using simple tools. This ensures that the remote AI Design Sprint team does not require any specific skills or prior experience with remote work.

Any advantages of Remote AI Design Sprints vs. In-person AI Design Sprints?

Dispersed teams can collaborate to solve problems fast, using a proven process that delivers precise results without using an extra budget for accommodation & traveling, renting a venue, food, etc.

 

There are even more benefits of running a Remote Design Sprint:

 

1. Take action now instead of waiting for the perfect time “when the stars align”

 

2. Easier to organize, even with distributed teams

 

3. Same quality as in an in-person sprint… if not better!

 

4. Easier to get busy people in who might otherwise not be able to join

 

5. Fully digitized – benefits of not having to type everything up

 

6. No need to organize a workshop room – or having to deal with subpar rooms

 

7. No need to buy materials – and you never run out

 

8. Yes, we can work on different time zones without messing your day up

 

9. Lower stress with fewer variables

 

10. We can sprint worldwide! No travel costs, no jetlag, no environmental impact

 

11. Show your team how to collaborate remotely, and that it’s even easier than on location

 

12. Build a remote collaboration culture

 

Conclusion: As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to running a Sprint remotely!

What equipment is needed for a remote AI Sprint?

It’s important for each participant to have essential equipment: a computer with a proper microphone or headset, a webcam and a fast internet connection. The participant should also use a modern browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox. During the sprint our co-facilitator deals with minor technical issues related to the internet connection or tools without disturbing others.

Who should be in the team?

AI Sprint teams should consist of 3-6 participants. We need the people responsible for making decisions, your organisation’s experts, preferably with different backgrounds. These can be stakeholders or employees from marketing, design, IT, management, or any other department. Additionally, there will be a AI Design Sprint facilitator and, if necassary, a prototyping expert from our side.

Can we use Sprints for other business areas as well?

Yes, we offer a variety of workshop formats, including different types of Design Sprints. For instance, if process automation is not of interest to your business, we provide an AI Design Sprint that focuses on developing AI solution concepts for both existing and new products and services. The outcome of this workshop is a tested and evaluated AI solution concept, along with a technical brief.

 

The core of all our workshops involves using exercises from the tried and tested Design Sprint & Design Thinking method, while adapting it to the specific needs of each challenge. For more information, please refer to our service page or contact us directly.

Do you offer other types of Sprints or workshops?

The core of all our workshops uses exercises from tried and tested Design Sprint method while adapting it to the specifics of each challenge. Besides the Design Sprint, we also do offer workshops for brainstorming, ideation, and problem-solving or even for marketing challenges. We recommend using our workshop methods anytime your team needs to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges fast + find quick direction. It will prevent your team from losing focus and replace your open, unstructured discussion with a simple process.

 

Here are some examples of workshops we frequently conduct for companies of all sizes.

 

🧩 For 1-3 day workshop formats, we offer:

 

Scoping Workshop: A workshop to scope business challenges, define strategies for desired results, and align with stakeholders.

 

Innovation Sprint: It quickly identifies the problem space, helping focus on the main challenge for your next innovation project.

 

Growth Hacking Workshop: This workshop will guide your team in creating actionable growth hacking experiments in a structured manner.

 

Marketing Campaign Sprint: For tasks such as crafting marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and content ideas.

 

OKR Sprint: This simple and effective OKR workshop will help your team gain clarity on which goals to focus on and how they will be measured.

 

Challenge 360 Sprint: This helps a team align on exactly what to work on or solve, and what to ignore for now.

 

Strategy Signal Sprint: This helps a team define an end goal and a straightforward strategy for solving a selected challenge.

 

Plan-O-Rama: This helps a team execute their strategy.

 

Decision Sprint: This is a general-purpose problem-solving and decision-making workshop that provides tangible, actionable results.

 

Leadership & Executive Team Retreat: Enhance strategies, teamwork, and leadership skills in a focused workshop retreat that condenses planning into a few action-oriented days.

 

🧩 For 3-5 day workshop formats, we offer:

 

Strategy Sprint: For leadership teams to design a successful strategy that positions their company advantageously.

 

Product Strategy Sprint: Develop a coherent approach to product development, articulated in a Product Strategy with actionable steps.

 

AI Design Sprint – Process Automation: Quickly identify easy-to-automate processes with AI and develop valuable team solutions.

 

AI Design Sprint – Products & Services: Confidently infuse AI technology into business products or services for innovative and valuable solutions.

 

Design Sprint: Before investing time and money, validate ideas and solve complex business issues as a team through prototyping and user testing.

 

and more.

Do you provide customized workshops or training sessions?

Yes! The time-boxed sprint model has been adapted by many top designers and consultancies worldwide for special cases. Any situation that requires change can benefit from a customized approach. Every organization, including ours, faces unique circumstances such as diverse target groups, change requirements, and possibilities. To address these individual situations and ensure client satisfaction, we provide tailor-made workshops. If you have a specific issue, we can create a workshop or training program tailored to your specific needs.

Do you offer AI Design Sprint trainings?

Yes, our AI Design Sprint Training teaches you the most up-to-date version of the AI Sprint using industry-leading Design Sprint facilitation techniques. Based on our experience in running AI Design Sprints, we customize the training package to align with your organization’s workflow, catering to the needs of your team and product. Our training Bootcamp is suitable for challenges in start-ups, medium-sized businesses, or large corporations. All you need is a relevant challenge and an interdisciplinary team.

 

Martin Backes, a certified expert AI Design Sprint facilitator, will provide detailed explanations of all the workshop steps and share his secrets with you. By the end of this training, you will be able to facilitate your AI Sprints, recruit the ideal team, and gain comprehensive knowledge of testing and prototyping tools.

 

Maximize efficiency and minimize risk with process automation ideas. Empower your team to take the lead and build the best possible process.

Who created the AI Design Sprint?

The AI Design Sprint™ is a framework for conducting AI workshops. It is inspired by the Google Design Sprint and has been further developed by our Danish AI Design Agency Partner, 33A, who has also certified us.

If you have any additional questions about the AI Design Sprint or any other workshop method, feel free to send us a message. We are eager to learn more about you.

Boost your business processes. Start now!

CONTACT

Get in touch

If you want to identify processes that can be automated with artificial intelligence and develop AI solution concepts, or if you simply want to help your team innovate faster, we have you covered. Find out more and request a consultation by filling out this form or booking an AI Design Sprint session with us.