Kick-off Workshop

1. Purpose

The kick-off workshop gives your team everything it needs to run a successful exploration project:

• Theoretical knowledge of research methods

• Practical experience of interview situations, if you're planning qualitative interviews

• Concrete planning of own research activities and responsibilities, within the focus and scope the Project Charter "Exploration" sets

The Project Sponsor also gives the team the psychological safety to run this project and to push through any obstacles along the way. In this workshop the team agrees how they want to work together: communication channels and digital workspaces, Weekly Status Calls and workshop dates. And you define your code of conduct for teamwork:

• We come prepared and are present.

• We always conclude our sessions with clear tasks and responsibilities.

• We are responsible for the project's results.

• "Las Vegas Rule" (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas): what we discuss within the team stays within the team.

2. Duration

1 full day, plus preparation and documentation

3. Participants

• Project Team

• Team Manager

• Project Sponsor (in the morning only)

• Team Coach

• Research Expert (optional)

4. Preparation

As a Team Member

The kick-off workshop is the starting signal for your exploration project. Your Team Coach will have met you beforehand, in person or virtually, to discuss the research focus, the project planning and how this project came about.

After the kick-off, the research activities start straight away. Here's how to prepare:

As a Team Coach

The kick-off workshop is the first time you get your entire exploration team in the same room and hand them everything they need to research their playground. Budget at least 1 day to prepare, 1 day to run and half a day to wrap up.

Hold the kick-off workshop in person wherever you can. If there is no other way than virtual, for very international teams for instance, take that into account when planning your agenda.

5. Tools & Materials

• 1x "moderation wall" with purpose and agenda

• 1x End-to-End Innovation Process

• 1x "You are now leaving your comfort zone" carpet

• 1x Project Charter "Exploration"

• 2x pin boards and moderation kit

• 1x flip chart with paper

• Common digital workspace, e.g. Miro Templates "Exploration"

• Optional: 1x Target Groups template, if customer research is your focus

• Optional: Business Design Guiding Principles as magnetic shapes or stickers

• Optional: 1x Anti-Bullsh*t Spray

• Optional: customer's glasses

6. Q & A

• What if the sponsor can't come to the workshop? Try to rearrange the agenda — perhaps they can join for lunch or in the afternoon. If that doesn't work either, the least they can do is send a short video message.

• What if the team is afraid to ask (non-)customers for an interview? Remind them of the interview exercise. They will have noticed how good it feels when someone listens to you with genuine interest. Then work out together how, and with what information, the team approaches potential interviewees.

• What if the team doesn't identify enough potential customers and non-customers to interview? Define the selection criteria together, and go for the widest possible range within the research frame. Consult the sales department and ask them to put you in touch. After each interview, ask for further interesting people to talk to — that creates a snowball effect. Bear in mind you won't get an appointment with everyone in the six weeks available, so keep more candidates on your list than you intend to interview.

• What if the team plans more research than the agreed scope carries? That is a good sign — the team is curious — and it still needs a decision on the day. Go back to the charter, keep what serves the agreed focus and scope, and park the rest on a visible list. Nothing is lost: parked questions are the natural starting point for a follow-up exploration.

• What if Team Members say they are too busy to work on their tasks? Availability should have been settled before the workshop, while you were preparing the Project Charter "Exploration". Schedule one-to-ones and go through their calendars for the next two weeks. There are always activities that can be postponed or dropped.

7. Room & Infrastructure

• 1x empty wall, more than 420 x 200 cm

• 1x empty wall, more than 220 x 90 cm

• Chairs or cube seats

• 1x short-throw projector for the project workspace and the sponsor's presentation

• 1x table for catering

• Hot and cold drinks, snacks or finger food

8. Example Agenda

* P = Presentation | D = Discussion | B = Break | T = Teamwork