Global Virtual Design Sprint - All About the event

The 3rd Global Virtual Design Sprint

The next GVDS was based primarily on the tremendous amount of feedback we received in April. It was also the first event where we asked attendees for an entry fee.

In October, we featured a lot of thought leaders, influencers and active practitioners in the GVDS Showcase . It was an entire month of practitioners and professionals in the design sprint, design thinking and remote work disciplines, showcasing who they are and what they do.

We also introduced a virtual design sprint training program, showcased Sandy Lam 's amazing design templates in Mural, a new logo design thanks to Franzia Flores , and an entire month of virtual design sprinting.
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You can read all about the 3rd GVDS in this Medium article .

The 4th Global Virtual Design Sprint

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GVDS underwent a transformation.

The event became dedicated to understanding and exploring topics related to the Coronavirus: Mental recovery, loneliness, domestic violence, blended education (remote + in-person) and psychologist referrals.

We attempted to do four, full weeks of virtual design sprinting. These included extended sessions over multiple weeks, iterative sprints to explore novel ideas, and new frameworks (Talent Sprints, Life Sprints) being matured and evolved.

We also put a greater emphasis on creating real products with pretotyping, Alberto Savoia 's approach to testing desirability in the marketplace.
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You can read all about the 4th GVDS here on LinkedIn .

The 5th Global Virtual Design Sprint

After the breakneck pace of the 4th GVDS, many were looking for a more structured approach to the event. Participants said they needed more time for research, exploration and experimentation with their challenges.

Consulting with Lee Duncan and others, we structured the 5th Global Virtual Design Sprint for a more inclusive model.

We also introduced the Dash (a hybrid of design thinking and pretotyping) that was offered in tandem with our usual virtual design sprint activities. Championed by Alberto Savoia, pretotyping (i.e. pretend prototyping) gave our teams the ability to gauge the desirability of their ideas before putting them through a design sprint process.
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You can read all about the 5th GVDS in this Medium article .

The 6th Global Virtual Design Sprint

I had intended to end the GVDS with the new year, but a few things changed that decision.

First, there were a number of people that inquired super early about the event in April. An even greater number of people were asking about the inclusion of open innovation challenges to the model, and if there was going to be a return to participant-based submission and voting.

Second, the last event seemed unfinished. The new structure worked well but had some flaws. Some teams were struggling with the execution of the Dash process, wanting to see some real market data behind their efforts.

Finally, the Community of Practice had just started in December of 2020. It didn't seem right to end everything right then and there without seeing where everything was going.

With that, the 6th Global Virtual Design Sprint is officially underway! Check out the official announcement on Medium.

The Global Virtual Design Sprint offers a unique opportunity for professionals from around the world to come together and tackle meaningful challenges through a structured, time-boxed process. Participants learn the fundamentals of design sprinting, from understanding user needs to prototyping and testing ideas. This global event welcomes designers, developers, facilitators, and subject matter experts who share a passion for innovation and collaboration. By working in diverse teams across time zones, attendees gain fresh perspectives and build a network of like-minded practitioners. The experience is designed to be hands-on and practical, allowing everyone to contribute their unique skills toward solving real problems.

One of the core strengths of the Global Virtual Design Sprint is its emphasis on peer-based learning and collaborative problem solving. Rather than relying solely on expert lectures, the event encourages participants to learn by doing, working alongside others who bring different expertise and viewpoints. This approach helps teams explore ideas more thoroughly and arrive at solutions that are both creative and grounded in real user needs. The virtual format removes geographical barriers, making it possible for a truly international group to engage in the sprint process together. Daily instructional videos and walkthroughs support teams as they move through each phase of the sprint.

The structure of the Global Virtual Design Sprint draws from established design sprint methodologies while adapting them for a distributed, global audience. Teams move through a sequence of phases that include understanding the challenge, exploring possible solutions, deciding on a direction, prototyping, and testing with real users. This condensed timeline pushes teams to focus on what matters most and avoid getting stuck in endless deliberation. The process is designed to increase the likelihood of success by validating ideas early and reducing the risk of building something that nobody wants. Participants come away with not only a tested concept but also a repeatable framework for future innovation efforts.

Beyond the sprint itself, the Global Virtual Design Sprint fosters a lasting community of practitioners who continue to learn and grow together. Resources, spotlights, and awards recognize outstanding contributions and showcase inspiring work from around the world. The event also explores open innovation challenges, inviting participants to submit ideas and vote on the most promising directions. This inclusive model ensures that a wide range of voices are heard and that the challenges tackled reflect real needs and opportunities. Whether someone is a first-time participant or a returning veteran, the experience offers fresh insights, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of what makes virtual collaboration effective.