Many companies now use AI tools internally, which also generate significant ongoing costs, but genuine economic success resulting from the use of AI in business is still very rare.
To address this very gap, Michael Brandt and his company 33A developed the “AI Design Sprint®” methodology. In an approach modeled after Google’s Design Sprint format, existing business processes are used as a starting point to identify specific opportunities for optimization through the use of AI and to make processes more efficient in the long term. Design thinking elements are repeatedly applied to develop new solution options and then prioritize the most effective approaches.
A standard AI Design Sprint® using the 33A method lasts about two weeks. In the first phase, potential processes and use cases suitable for optimization are identified. Subsequently, opportunities for AI implementation are analyzed and translated into prototype solutions. The goal is to validate both technical feasibility and economic viability at an early stage.
Since KEGON has two trained 33A facilitators in Kurt Jäger and Marc Bauer, a Friday afternoon was used to test the creative core of the method using the company’s own processes. To this end, a distinguished group of 10 KEGON employees from the areas of sales, marketing, in-house consultants, freelancers, and partners met to diligently refine their own processes.
A particular strength of the 33A approach lies in the use of the 33A AI Cards®—a deck of over 50 cards that brings various AI application possibilities to life and introduces a playful yet structured element to the creative process.
In just four hours, the KEGON team used this creative component of the 33A Design Sprint® workshop to develop an AI-optimized target process from an internal process. Supported by clear templates and the AI Cards®, they were able to work creatively yet with a clear focus.
The two AI-optimized processes are set to be implemented as prototypes in the coming weeks to make concrete results measurable. The creative phase alone was a resounding success: Participants reported how quickly the four hours flew by and that they were able to start the weekend with tangible results. Facilitators Kurt Jäger and Marc Bauer were also pleasantly surprised by the energy, commitment, and creative dynamic within the group.
Anyone interested in conducting a 33A AI Design Sprint® or selected elements of it within their own company can contact us at any time at info(at)kegon.de.
