Kick-off Workshop (Phase II)

1. Purpose

The kick-off workshop aims to provide your team with all the tools they need to conduct a successful research project.

• Theoretical knowledge of research methods

• practical experience of interview situations (if you're planning to do qualitative interviews)

• concrete planning of research activities and responsibilities.

They will also be given psychological security by their sponsor to run this project and overcome eventual obstacles.

In this workshop, we will also discuss how we want to work together, covering topics such as communication channels, weekly status calls and workshop dates. We will also define our 'code of conduct' for teamwork, which includes the following:

• 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 + 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 coach will have met with you in advance (in person or virtually) and discussed the research focus, the project planning and how this project came about.

After the kick-off, the research activities will start straight away. Here's how you can prepare (see box below):

As a Team Coach

The kick-off workshop is the first time you get your entire research team in the same room and provide them with everything they need to research their customers and users. You will need at least 2 days to prepare (check out the tasks in the box below), 1 day to run and 0.5 days to wrap up.

It is advisable to hold the kick-off workshop in person. If there is no other way than virtual, e.g. for very international teams, take this 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

• 2x pin boards & moderation kit

• 1x Flip chart with paper

• Optional: 1x Target Groups Template

• 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 the sponsor could be there for lunch or in the afternoon. If this is also not possible, the least the sponsor can do is send you a short video of his/her message.

• What if the team is afraid to ask customers for an interview? Remind them of their experiences in the interview exercise. They will have realised that it feels good when someone listens to you with genuine interest. Work out a strategy together on how and with what information the team should approach potential interview partners.

• What if the team does not identify enough potential customers and non-customers who could be interviewed? Define together the selection criteria and the widest possible range of interviewees within the research framework. Consult the sales department and ask them to put you in touch with the right contacts. After each interview, ask for more interesting interviewees to create a snowball effect. Bear in mind that you will not be able to make an appointment with all potential interviewees in the short time available (6 weeks). You must therefore have more candidates on your list than you want to interview.

• What if some team members tell you that they are not able to work on the tasks because they are too busy? The availability of the team members should have been addressed before the workshop when you were about to prepare the Research Charter. Schedule 1-on-1 with the team members and review their calendars for the next two weeks. There are always possibilities to postpone or cancel other activities.

7. Room & Infrastructure

• 1x Empty wall: > 420 x 200cm 

• 1x Empty wall: > 220 x 90 cm

• Chairs or cube seats

• 1x Low-distance projector for Project Workspace and sponsor's presentation

• 1x Table for catering

• Hot & cold drinks, snacks or finger food

8. Example Agenda

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