I’m still surprised how often I get asked about “Design Sprints” in Scrum. Let’s be clear, there are no special Sprints. No Sprint 0. No release Sprint. No hardening Sprint. And definitely no Design Sprint.
Scrum is a social technology for solving complex problems. Trying to segment Sprints by function (design, test, build) reflects a Taylorist approach rooted in the Industrial Revolution, not the realities of modern product development.
If your UX work is critical to delivering the Sprint Goal, then it belongs in the Sprint. If it’s about preparing for the future, then it’s part of Refinement. But none of it needs a dedicated, isolated timebox.
The goal is high-quality working software, not siloed ceremonies.
How are you integrating UX, design, and architecture into your Sprint without breaking the flow?
Smart Classifications
Each classification [Concepts, Categories, & Tags] was assigned using AI-powered semantic analysis and scored across relevance, depth, and alignment. Final decisions? Still human. Always traceable. Hover to see how it applies.
What to read next
In Scrum, we don’t do UX separately
UX is integrated into Scrum, not handled separately. Design and validation happen within Sprints and backlog refinement, supporting …
How do you incorporate a Design Sprint in Scrum?
Explains how to integrate Design Sprint activities within Scrum by embedding design and UX work into regular sprints and backlog refinement, …
Evolving Engineering Practices to Improve Sprint Workflow in Scrum
Learn how evolving engineering practices like Feature Flags, TDD, and refactoring enable smoother Sprint workflows and reduce technical debt …
When you scale Scrum, the challenge isn’t just delivery, it coherence
Explains how scaling Scrum requires UX coherence through Communities of Practice, shared frameworks, and collaboration, not central control, …
Scrum doesn’t stop you from optimising flow
Explains how Scrum supports continuous flow and agility by prioritising Sprint Goals, Done increments, CI/CD practices, and outcomes over …
Scrum Myth Debunked: Unfinished Work is Allowed in Scrum
Clarifies Scrum guidelines on unfinished work, explaining that items can span multiple Sprints if the Sprint Goal and Done Increment remain …
Detecting agile theatre with real delivery signals
Why Most Companies Operating Models Fail in Dynamic Markets
A concise comparison of Predictive and Adaptive Operating Models, explaining why traditional structures fail in dynamic markets and how …
Don’t Manage Dependencies, Remove Them
Explains why dependencies are a sign of poor system design and outlines steps to eliminate them by aligning teams, clarifying ownership, and …
The Estimation Trap: How Tracking Accuracy Undermines Trust, Flow, and Value in Software Delivery
Tracking estimation accuracy in software delivery leads to mistrust, fear, and distorted behaviours. Focus on customer value, flow, and …
Flow of Value vs Flow of Work – Misnomer or Useful Shorthand?
Compares “flow of value” and “flow of work” in Kanban, explaining why only validated outcomes count as value and stressing the need for …
Why Outsourcing DevOps Fails, and How Real Engineering Excellence Starts With Your Team
Avoid DevOps vendor lock-in, discover how true engineering excellence starts with partnership, not outsourcing. Ready to transform your …
The Definition of Done is a Commitment to Quality
Defines the Definition of Done in Scrum as a clear, shared standard for quality, ensuring increments are releasable, transparent, and …
Why Your Definition of “Done” Is Holding Back Quality, Agility, and Trust, And How to Raise the Bar
Is your team’s “done” really done? Discover how a clear, objective definition of done boosts quality, agility, and trust in product …
Acceptance Criteria vs Definition of Done: Why Getting This Right Builds Trust and Delivers Quality Faster
Stop confusing acceptance criteria with definition of done, learn the crucial difference to boost quality, speed, and trust in your agile …
How to Evolve Your Definition of Done: Start Small, Grow Smarter, and Build Lasting Momentum
Unlock a smarter Definition of Done, start small, evolve standards, and build team momentum without overwhelm. Discover how progress drives …
Why Most Transformations Fail Without Honest Conversations
Most transformations fail without open, honest conversations that address real issues, making transparency and tough dialogue essential for …
Why Your Definition of Done Is the Secret Weapon for Real Business Impact and Agile Growth
Transform your definition of done into a strategic advantage, deliver real value, reduce risk, and drive business impact with every sprint.
Why Most Companies Operating Models Fail in Dynamic Markets
A concise comparison of Predictive and Adaptive Operating Models, explaining why traditional structures fail in dynamic markets and how …
Don’t Manage Dependencies, Remove Them
Explains why dependencies are a sign of poor system design and outlines steps to eliminate them by aligning teams, clarifying ownership, and …
The Estimation Trap: How Tracking Accuracy Undermines Trust, Flow, and Value in Software Delivery
Tracking estimation accuracy in software delivery leads to mistrust, fear, and distorted behaviours. Focus on customer value, flow, and …
Kendall Guide - A System of Work for AI Adoption
Flow of Value vs Flow of Work – Misnomer or Useful Shorthand?
Compares “flow of value” and “flow of work” in Kanban, explaining why only validated outcomes count as value and stressing the need for …
Estimating Better in an Overloaded System Is a Poor Man’s Strategy
High work in progress (WIP) causes delays and unpredictability; improving estimates won’t help. Limiting WIP and focusing on flow is key to …