SkillsFuture Idea Sprint
Turning a time-boxed ideation sprint into a focused solution that won first prize.
The brief · SkillsFuture Idea Sprint, Singapore
Participate in the SkillsFuture idea sprint to understand the challenge presented and develop a solution that responds clearly to it.
Work quickly from problem framing to product concept, using a focused process to turn the opportunity into a concrete and relevant proposal.
- Year
- 2024
- Sprint
- One month
- Team
- 4UX, product and training expertise
- Result
- First prizeSkillsFuture Idea Sprint
My roleUX expert, led the concept
I joined the ideation team as the UX expert, leading the conceptualisation of the proposed solution and helping shape how the organisation’s challenge could be translated into a clear product direction.
What the team didA team of four
1 PM and 2 subject matter experts in corporate training, with me as the UX expert.
- 1 PM
- 2 subject matter experts
Outcome
A documented way to track the return on investment of training. First prize, 2024.
A clear issue to solve
The problem to solve was exposed clearly by SkillsFuture. SMEs are not adopting training opportunities at the level expected, despite the vast resources already available.
- Training opportunities
- Already in place
- Below the level expected
Our first step was to understand and validate some of the hypotheses of why that was happening. Through quick guerrilla user research and rapid problem framing, we explored the reasons behind low adoption and identified potential friction points.
This gave us a much clearer basis for defining a solution that addressed the problem, rather than just reacting to it.
Aligning with the problem to bring solutions
One of the key differences in our approach was that we stayed closely aligned with the problem we were asked to solve.
Rather than forcing a predefined idea onto the challenge, we focused on understanding the real need and building a solution around it.
This helped ensure that the product concept responded directly to the issue raised by SkillsFuture. That discipline made the work more relevant.
A team with clear individual strengths
A key part of the sprint’s success was having a team with clearly defined strengths.
The team combined UX, product management and subject matter expertise in corporate training. This made it possible to move quickly while keeping decisions grounded in real knowledge and clear priorities.
- UXMe
The UX expert, leading the concept
- Product management1 PM
- Subject matter2 experts
In corporate training
Because each person had a clear role and we trusted each other’s expertise, we were able to work faster and more effectively than larger teams that lacked the same level of alignment.
Rapid design methodologies
The sprint required a different way of working and the right methodologies.
Instead of using heavier research and design methods, we relied on faster and more focused approaches that helped us move from problem to solution in a short time. These methods made it possible to test assumptions quickly, shape the concept and keep momentum throughout the sprint.
- Test assumptions quickly
- Shape the concept
- Keep momentum
This showed how the right methodology depends on the context, and how speed can still produce strong outcomes when the process is well chosen and executed.
Recognition
A clearly defined product concept aligned with the challenge presented by SkillsFuture.
The solution won first prize and was recognised as a strong response to a real training adoption problem, with interest in taking it further.
The project was awarded first prize, winning ahead of much larger teams and professional companies that had more developed products.
This validated the process chosen and the importance of a strong focus on team member strengths toward bringing a solution.
The decisions
Three decisions, across three chapters.
Select a decision to read what I chose and why.
Chapter 01The issue
Chapter 02The problem first
Chapter 04Methods
Decision 1 of 3 · Chapter 01 · The issue
Validate the why first
HowQuick guerrilla research and rapid problem framing on the reasons behind low adoption.
Fast work needs the right process, the right trust, and the right people to turn pressure into meaningful results.
Contact
Open to design leadership roles.
I’m based in Singapore and can work in Singapore and the EU without sponsorship. Available now.