Continue being digital in the Canadian public service: Digital process lifecycle - Lesson 4

This is lesson 4 in the boot camp 'Continue being digital in the Canadian public service: Digital process lifecycle', created in collaboration with the Ontario Digital Service.

How to complete this lesson

Each activity you complete beyond the required reading or activity is worth points. The more points you collect, the higher the level you reach. When you reach the end of the lesson, tally how many points you’ve earned, and download the correct badge. Your certificate of completion for this 'Digital process lifecycle' course will indicate which level you achieved.

Required

Article: 8 min

Read How a prototype can save your digital project from derailing. (8 min)

Video: 21 min

Watch this video to learn about Alpha and design sprints. (21 min)

Suggested

Additional video: 5 points

Watch the TED talk Got a wicked problem? First tell me how to make toast. (9 min)

Homework: 10 points

Mini Service Design Project pt 4: Optimize a portion of your day.

Now that you have your ‘how might we’ questions, it is time to brainstorm some possible solutions.

A great activity to get you started is called Crazy eight sketches:

• You will need something to draw on (paper and pen or pencil)
• Break your page into eight sections (fold it in half 3 times)
• Set a timer for 15 minutes
• In each box, sketch a possible solution to the problem or issue raised
• try not to self censor - there will be time to iterate later. Just draw (and add words when needed to add clarity) fast is good
• If you can - have another person sketch ideas too (no talking!)
• Review your ideas, if you did this with someone else, tell each other about your ideas
• Break a second page into three parts
• Set a timer for 12 minutes
• From the rough sketches you did in round one, combine, remix or refine your ideas to three new sketches with more detail
• Look at your three ideas, anything else to add? Add words to clarify, and give each idea a name
• Share your ideas with someone else, post to the Slack channel
• This week or next: Try one of these ideas to improve your day, see how it goes, try another

Homework video: 5 points

Please watch this video for an in-depth explanation on how to complete this week’s hands-on activity. (4 min)

Additional reading: 5 points each

Learn more about the Alpha phase through the following three articles:

• Here’s how to put your services to the test (6 min)
• Launching an alpha service (3 min)
• All about design sprints

Need help? Feel free to use the Apolitical channel in Slack to ask questions, or reach out at digital.training@ontario.ca.

Congratulations! You’ve completed this lesson of the boot camp. Count up how many points you’ve earned, and click to download your badge. You can share your badge on social media, and tag @apoliticalco to show off your progress.

Digital Process Lifecycle Seeker (Required Activity)

Digital Process Lifecycle Explorer (5 Points)

Digital Process Lifecycle Adventurer (10 Points)

Digital Process Lifecycle Intrepid (15 Points)

Digital Process Lifecycle Heroic (20-30 Points)

Picture credit: Unsplash