Design Sprint Pipeline Template
Run confident five-day design sprints
Map, sketch, decide, prototype, and test without wondering what happens next. This Instaboard pipeline combines a Start Here control panel, duplicate-locked sprint charter and note templates, and five tightly spaced stage lists so everyone can drag work left to right, attach files, and hand off decisions without leaving the board.
- Align every stakeholder around a sprint charter in minutes
- Capture lightning demo insights where the team already plans
- Push storyboard decisions to the decider with zero context loss
- Assign prototype tasks with due dates, tags, and attachments
- Log user tests and follow-ups directly beside the workflow
Start with the Sprint Charter
In the Get Started section, duplicate the Sprint Charter template, fill the challenge statement, success metric, decider, and sprint dates, then drop the card into Sprint Kickoff & Map. Assign the PM owner, add any clips or decks as attachments, and tag Needs stakeholder input until everyone signs off. Invite the team to comment or add links directly on the card so the Start Here primer matches reality.
Capture research and sketch flows
Work left to right across Sprint Kickoff & Map and Sketch Solutions. Duplicate Lightning Demo Note cards for every expert interview or competitive swipe, add screenshots, and use the User insight or Needs stakeholder input labels to flag follow-ups. When the team starts Crazy 8s, convert the best sketches into list items with due dates so contributors know what to bring to the decision review.
Log decisions before you prototype
Move into the Decide & Storyboard lane and keep each frame as its own card. Tag Ready for decider when you need a thumbs-up, and duplicate a Decision Log card when direction is final so you capture the signals, approvers, and follow-up actions in one place. Mention owners in comments and link out to supporting research so the decider can approve asynchronously.
Assign Prototype Tasks with attachments
As soon as the storyboard is locked, duplicate Prototype Task cards and drag them into Rapid Prototype. Assign the builder, set due dates that mirror your sprint schedule, and add Figma links or audio files as attachments. Use the Follow-up action label for items waiting on copy or QA and switch to Blocked if anything needs escalation so the team sees where to swarm.
Run tests and publish the playback
During user sessions, create User Test Note cards directly in Test & Debrief, attach call recordings, and capture quotes plus next actions. When patterns emerge, add Decision Log cards for each commitment and keep them beside the notes so handoffs into the roadmap stay grounded in evidence. Before archiving, ensure every insight card has an assignee or follow-up label so nothing from the sprint gets lost.
What’s inside
Getting Started rail
Multi-line Start Here card plus micro-templates for Sprint Charter, Lightning Demo Note, Prototype Task, User Test Note, and Decision Log.
Sprint Kickoff & Map
Keep the challenge brief, experts, and lightning demo shortlist visible while you gather inputs and assign pre-work.
Sketch Solutions
Orange list configured for Crazy 8s, sketch uploads, and inspiration notes with Needs stakeholder input tags.
Decide & Storyboard
Purple lane for storyboards and approvals; use Ready for decider and Decision Log cards to capture alignment.
Rapid Prototype
Blue production lane with Prototype Task templates, attachments, and labels for Follow-up action or Blocked items.
Test & Debrief
Green lane for User Test Notes, recordings, and sprint playback cards so learnings flow into next steps.
Why this works
- Removes ambiguity by pairing Start Here guidance with drag-to-duplicate micro-templates
- Keeps every sprint artifact in one canvas so handoffs stay in context
- Highlights blockers fast through labels and assignees on every list
- Links user evidence to decisions so teams can defend follow-up work
FAQ
How do I adapt this template for a four-day sprint?
Rename stage lists or merge Sketch Solutions and Decide & Storyboard, then keep the Start Here bullets and template cards as-is so the workflow still flows left to right.
Can I track multiple prototypes at once?
Yes—duplicate the Prototype Task cards for each component, tag them with Ready for decider or Follow-up action, and use assignees plus due dates to keep priority clear.
Where should I store test recordings?
Attach files or links directly to the User Test Note cards in Test & Debrief so anyone replaying insights can jump in without hunting through chat threads.
What if a stakeholder joins mid-sprint?
Point them at the Sprint Charter card in Sprint Kickoff & Map; it holds the context, and they can scan Decision Log cards to see every major call so far.