Design Sprints are powerful tools for rapid problem-solving and innovation, but they’re traditionally designed as in-person, high-energy experiences. When shifting to a remote format, the challenge is to maintain that same level of engagement, collaboration, and focus without everyone being in the same room. Fortunately, with the right adjustments, remote Design Sprints can be just as effective as their in-person counterparts—and, in some ways, even more inclusive and versatile.

Here’s how to adapt Design Sprints for remote teams and make the most of virtual collaboration.

1. Choose the Right Tools to Enable Seamless Collaboration

In a remote sprint, digital tools become your team’s “workspace.” Selecting the right combination of tools for communication, whiteboarding, and project management is essential to keep everyone aligned and engaged.

Consider these essentials:

• Video conferencing: Choose a platform that allows for breakout rooms, screen sharing, and reliable audio/video quality (Zoom and Microsoft Teams work well).
• Digital whiteboards: Tools like Miro, MURAL, and Figma enable real-time brainstorming, sketching, and voting, mimicking the experience of a physical whiteboard.
• Messaging and file sharing: Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow for quick questions and updates, as well as sharing relevant files and resources.

Selecting tools that are accessible and user-friendly ensures that the team can focus on creativity and problem-solving rather than grappling with technical difficulties.

2. Adjust the Schedule to Avoid Remote Burnout

One of the biggest challenges in a remote Design Sprint is preventing screen fatigue. Sitting in front of a screen for hours on end isn’t conducive to creative thinking or effective collaboration. Instead of trying to stick to the typical in-person five-day sprint structure, consider breaking it up.

Here are some adaptations that can help:

• Spread the sprint over more days: Try six or even seven days, with shorter work periods each day. This gives the team more mental breaks and time to recharge.
• Use shorter, focused sessions: Divide the day into multiple sessions, separated by breaks. This prevents people from losing focus and keeps energy levels up.
• Consider time zones: If team members are working in different time zones, ensure that no one has to start too early or work too late. Aim for overlapping hours that allow for everyone’s full participation.

By adapting the schedule, you create a more sustainable sprint experience that respects everyone’s time and energy.

3. Foster Clear Communication and Set Ground Rules

Communication in a remote sprint requires intentionality. Without the spontaneous exchanges that happen in person, it’s essential to create clear communication channels and establish ground rules that keep everyone aligned.

Here are a few best practices:

• Establish communication norms: Define how and when to use different channels (e.g., using video calls for discussions, chat for quick questions, and email for documentation).
• Set clear expectations: Let team members know what’s expected of them during each session. Will they need to present, lead a discussion, or come prepared with ideas?
• Encourage “camera-on” time: Video helps people feel more connected and engaged. Encourage participants to keep their cameras on during sessions, especially for brainstorming and decision-making activities.

These simple guidelines reduce confusion and help maintain a productive, collaborative environment, even when team members aren’t physically together.

4. Keep Engagement High with Interactive Activities

Remote sessions can become monotonous, so it’s crucial to keep participants engaged and energized. Interactive activities and varied formats can go a long way toward making the remote sprint feel dynamic and engaging.

Consider incorporating these techniques:

• Warm-up exercises: Start each session with a quick icebreaker or team-building activity to get people energized and comfortable.
• Real-time voting and decision-making: Use built-in voting features in Miro or MURAL for rapid input. This helps keep everyone involved and creates momentum.
• Breakout rooms for small group discussions: Breaking into smaller groups allows for deeper discussions and ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute.

By keeping the process interactive, you create a remote experience that feels lively and engaging rather than just another long Zoom meeting.

5. Emphasize Documentation and Post-Sprint Follow-Up

In remote sprints, documentation becomes even more important. Without a physical space to leave sticky notes and whiteboards, digital documentation helps ensure that no insights, decisions, or ideas are lost.

Here’s how to make sure everything gets captured:

• Assign a note-taker: Designate someone to document key insights, decisions, and action items during each session.
• Use digital whiteboards as a record: Keep the final version of digital whiteboards as they capture the evolution of ideas and provide valuable context for post-sprint review.
• Plan a post-sprint recap session: Once the sprint is over, hold a follow-up meeting to review outcomes, next steps, and assign responsibilities for moving the project forward.

Thorough documentation ensures continuity, enabling teams to pick up right where they left off. This is especially important when transitioning from the sprint to the implementation phase.

Making Remote Design Sprints a Long-Term Asset

Remote Design Sprints may have started as a necessity, but they offer unique advantages that make them worth mastering. By adapting the schedule, choosing the right tools, and fostering an intentional communication style, teams can achieve the same level of collaboration and creativity as they would in person. And in some cases, they may even find that remote sprints are more accessible and inclusive.

With the right setup, remote sprints aren’t just a workaround—they become a powerful tool for organizations to drive innovation from anywhere, making design thinking a sustainable part of their problem-solving approach.

Remote Design Sprints bring innovation to any workspace, proving that creativity and collaboration know no boundaries.