Big Studio in partnership with Startup Institute hosted a design thinking session for the product and design class. Jay, Diana and Mike from Big Studio facilitated a session that takes every day items (toothbrush, sneaker, coffee cup) and teaches the students to use design thinking to evolve these items into new products. We choose these items not just because they're familiar to everyone but also due to the fact that their specific industry in constantly evolving them and looking for ways to get consumers to buy.

1. 1 Broadway. 14th floor
Cambridge MA 02142
Facilitated by Jay Hanaford and Mike Tuccinard
Beer & Brainstorming
Product Exploration and Evolution
www.bigstudioconsulting.com
info@thebig-studio.com

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Beer & Brainstorming is an opportunity for the
Big Studio team to explore design thinking
principles and use rapid brainstorming
exercises to get to unique solutions.
Oh, we also sample delicious beers from
around the world!
ABOUT THE SESSION
What is Beer & Brainstorming?

3. BRAINSTORM
& SKETCH
RESEARCH &
INSPIRATION
COLLABORATE COMMUNICATE
5 min.
10 min.
20 min.
25 min.
ABOUT THE SESSION
OVERVIEW
Our Beer & Brainstorming session was held with the
Startup Institute Boston and involved product exploration
and evolution. After iterating on ideas through
collaboration and customer feedback, different teams were
able to brew up final product designs to pitch.
FINAL SKETCH
15 min.

4. Coffee Cup
1st product
Sneakers
2nd product
Toothbrush
3rd product
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STEP 1: BRAINSTORM IDEAS
To kick off the session, individuals were asked to pick a product idea out of a hat.

5. STEP 1: BRAINSTORM IDEAS
Then, one person from each group was asked to
pick a theme, forming 3 randomized products:
Coffee Cup “that makes me smarter”
Sneakers “that increase my strength”
Toothbrush “that entertains me”

6. STEP 1: BRAINSTORM IDEAS
SKETCH!
Individuals were given 5 minutes to produce
sketches to capture their product ideas.

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STEP 2: RESEARCH & INSPIRATION
Next, we asked individuals to evolve their ideas by using a laptop or smartphone to research their product. For
example, is there a similar product already on the market? What is an example of “entertainment”?
Each had 5 min. for research and inspiration and another 5 min. to come up with a new sketch.

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STEP 3: COLLABORATE
Next, Individuals grouped up with others who had
their product, forming 3 teams. It was encouraged
to work together and discuss thoughts and ideas.
A decision should then be made to either use
someone’s idea from a previous step, a
combination of ideas or a completely new sketch.

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STEP 4: COMMUNICATE
Using the customer feedback handout, teams were then asked to solicit others and pitch their product
idea. What are the initial thoughts? What would they like to see added to the product? What could change?
Questions were asked and feedback was given to further evolve their product.

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STEP 5: FINAL SKETCH
Using the collected feedback, teams then refined their ideas further and sketched a final product design.

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The sketches from the entire session were pinned up for everyone to see, forming a funnel of ideas. Each
team presented and discussed their final design. How did it evolve? Was there potentially a better design
from a previous step? What were some of the challenges along the way?
STEP 5: FINAL SKETCH

13. By using techniques such as brainstorming, inspiration
and collaboration, you’ll find that you can push your
thoughts and ideas even further, making the initial design
process not only easier, but fun. Exploring ideas is the key
to good product design.
But these methods don’t always have a chronological
outcome. Thinkers should look back through the evolution
of ideas that were explored. Could there have been a
different, or even better idea?
Use your best judgment. If you feel that you’ve pushed
your idea too far, you’re probably doing it right.
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CONCLUSION: WHAT WAS THE TAKEAWAY?
We produced a handout full of helpful tips "
for attendees to take along with them.

14. Join us for our next session
info@thebig-studio.com