Unlocking the Power of Soft Sprints in Product Design
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Chapter 1: Understanding Soft Sprints
What exactly is a Soft Sprint, and why does it matter for your product? Small enhancements can make a significant impact on user experience.
Every designer has faced this scenario: we develop a feature, roll it out, and often find ourselves thinking, "The microcopy isn't quite right, but the developers need to start working on it." Alternatively, we might feel uncertain about a particular interaction but must deliver it today. We might even resort to using a basic icon simply due to time constraints.
As we engage with the app we created, we inevitably come across minor errors—such as inconsistencies in hover states, color choices that present accessibility challenges, and other minor bugs. Many of us hope that the project manager (PM) will address these issues while we focus on developing new features. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Frequently, the team prioritizes adding new functionalities over refining existing ones.
This article introduces a concept that product teams can embrace to tackle these problems: the "Soft Sprint."
Section 1.1: What is a Soft Sprint?
A Soft Sprint is a focused period where the team dedicates their efforts solely to:
- Addressing and rectifying minor visual bugs (e.g., adjusting icons, correcting colors, improving hover states).
- Enhancing microcopy.
- Fine-tuning certain features.
Why refer to it as a Soft Sprint?
Designers often engage in crafting complex solutions during sprints. Striking a balance between user needs, business objectives, and development constraints can be challenging, especially when dealing with numerous edge cases. Soft Sprints, however, are more manageable and don't require extensive cognitive load to implement these small improvements.
Why is this important?
People tend to view minor issues in isolation. Earlier this month, I tackled several small repairs in my home, like fixing a squeaky door and addressing paint issues. Honestly, I had been meaning to do it for a while but kept postponing it. Once everything was fixed, the difference was remarkable.
When we evaluate each minor issue individually, they seem trivial, so we often neglect to resolve them. However, it's crucial to recognize that numerous small problems within a product can significantly affect overall user experience.
For this reason, tackling multiple small bugs in a single sprint can greatly enhance user satisfaction.
Section 1.2: The Misconception About Features vs. Fixes
There's a common belief that launching new features provides greater value than rectifying existing issues. While I understand this perspective, if a feature is causing users frustration due to poor user experience (UX), then its value is considerably diminished.
For instance, consider a user who repeatedly clicks an icon button without clarity—this can lead to frustration. Similarly, an unclear error message can leave users confused and irritated. These examples highlight straightforward fixes that can alleviate significant user pain points.
Chapter 2: The Value of Small Improvements
The first video titled "Does The Sprint Work For Complex Products Design & Large Organisations?" examines the effectiveness of sprint methodologies in managing complex product designs, particularly in larger organizations.
The second video, "Design Sprint (Lean Product Design 2023)," provides insights on the lean product design process and the role of design sprints in creating impactful products.
What can we learn from Figma?
Last year, Figma rolled out 30 minor enhancements in a single update. Each improvement was small, yet collectively they created a significant impact. This release was widely appreciated within the design community, showcasing how numerous small adjustments can yield substantial value for users.
Why should we have dedicated sprints for these enhancements?
Minor bugs often go unnoticed because their significance isn't recognized during prioritization. By bundling several issues into one sprint, we can deliver real value to users.
Prioritization is Key
Almost every product has an array of minor issues awaiting resolution. However, determining which problems will drive the most impact is essential. Prior to initiating a Soft Sprint, the team should collaboratively prioritize the issues to ensure that real value is delivered.
How can you identify small issues?
Engage with users
Often, users will point out minor details that require attention—such as accessibility concerns related to colors, confusing microcopy, or features that are difficult to locate. If you identify a recurring minor issue from user feedback, document it.
Utilize the product you’re working on
When using the product, consider taking screenshots or recording brief videos to remind yourself of areas that need enhancement. Once you have a list, you can organize and prioritize it for discussion with the PM.
It’s crucial to ensure that the proposed improvements will provide clear value to users. If the adjustments are so minor that users may not notice them, the effort may not be justified.
What if your team lacks time for a full sprint on improvements?
If the team can't allocate an entire sprint for this purpose, suggest to your product manager that a small design task be included in every sprint. For instance, enhancing an icon could be a manageable task.
This approach allows the team to deliver meaningful value to users without overwhelming them.
Addressing Resistance to UX Improvements
If you believe there are opportunities for product enhancements, take the initiative to implement them rather than waiting for permission. If your workload permits, utilize that time to design the changes.
Consider an icon that may not effectively represent a function. You can redesign it, consult with developers about the time and resources needed for implementation, and then present your ideas to the product manager, emphasizing the effort and value of the proposed changes.
If they agree, enacting the changes will be more straightforward.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it has helped clarify the concept of Soft Sprints. Please feel free to share this with your colleagues, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
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