Sprint book cover

Sprint by Jake,Zeratsky Knapp Summary

Sprint
Jake,Zeratsky Knapp
4.19 (23126 Reviews)
Entrepreneurship
Business
Productivity
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Sprint

Transform ideas into reality in just five days with "Sprint," the revolutionary problem-solving framework tested in 150+ startups. Endorsed by Twitter's Ev Williams and used by Airbnb and Spotify, this bestseller dismantles traditional brainstorming for a process that actually works. Ready to build better products faster?

Show more

Key Takeaways from Sprint

  1. Jake Knapp’s Design Sprint solves big problems in five structured days
  2. Avoid brainstorming chaos with silent individual sketching sessions
  3. Prototype mindset: build disposable mockups to learn fast
  4. Test prototypes with five customer interviews to uncover 85% of usability issues
  5. Start design challenges by mapping customer journeys first
  6. Remix existing solutions instead of chasing originality
  7. Thursday prototyping focuses on realistic surface experiences
  8. Friday testing reveals whether solutions deserve development
  9. Design Sprints work for startups and Fortune 500 teams
  10. GV’s sprint process combines IDEO methods with Google’s speed
  11. Structured debates beat endless meetings for decision-making
  12. Sprint teams need deciders-makers-breakdown experts working together

Overview of its author - Jake,Zeratsky Knapp

Jake Knapp is the New York Times bestselling author of Sprint and the inventor of the Design Sprint methodology, a problem-solving framework used by teams worldwide to accelerate product development and innovation. A former design lead at Google and Google Ventures, Knapp’s expertise in business strategy and time management stems from his work on products like Gmail, Google Meet, and Microsoft Encarta.

Sprint, a business and productivity guide, distills his proven five-day process for transforming ideas into tested prototypes, blending hands-on design thinking with actionable team collaboration tactics.

Knapp co-authored the productivity bestseller Make Time and the recent Click: How to Make What People Want, which expands his sprint methodology to early-stage startups. His strategies are taught at Harvard Business School, MIT, and Stanford, and he has coached teams at NASA, LEGO, and Slack.

A frequent keynote speaker featured in The Wall Street Journal, TEDx, and Wired, Knapp also co-founded the venture fund Character and advises companies like Miro. Sprint has become a global staple in corporate and academic innovation programs, solidifying Knapp’s reputation as a pioneer in modern product design.

Common FAQs of Sprint

What is Sprint by Jake Knapp about?

Sprint outlines a proven 5-day Design Sprint process for solving complex business challenges through rapid prototyping and customer testing. Developed at Google Ventures, this methodology helps teams map problems, generate solutions, create prototypes, and validate ideas efficiently—compressing months of work into one focused week.

Who should read Sprint?

Founders, product managers, and teams facing high-stakes decisions will benefit most. It’s ideal for startups, UX designers, and innovators seeking to reduce risk in product development while accelerating progress.

Is Sprint worth reading?

Yes—it’s a New York Times bestseller with 4,300+ Amazon ratings. The actionable 5-day framework, enriched with real-world case studies from companies like Slack and LEGO, provides a blueprint for avoiding costly mistakes.

What are the 5 steps of a Design Sprint?
  1. Day 1: Map challenges and set goals.
  2. Day 2: Sketch competing solutions.
  3. Day 3: Decide on the best concept.
  4. Day 4: Build a realistic prototype.
  5. Day 5: Test with real users and iterate.
How does Sprint compare to Agile methodology?

While Agile focuses on iterative software delivery, Design Sprints prioritize rapid problem-solving and validation before development. The book positions sprints as a complementary tool for reducing uncertainty in Agile workflows.

What are key rules for prototyping in a Design Sprint?
  • Keep prototypes “ugly but functional.”
  • Use placeholder copy and basic visuals.
  • Prioritize speed over polish to simulate real-world user interactions.
Can Design Sprints work for non-tech teams?

Absolutely. Case studies in Sprint include healthcare, retail, and service industries. The process adapts to any field needing to solve complex problems quickly, from streamlining medical treatments to launching online stores.

What is the “Crazy 8s” technique in Sprint?

A timed sketching exercise where participants generate 8 ideas in 8 minutes. This method forces rapid creativity and helps teams diverge before converging on the strongest solutions.

How does Jake Knapp’s background influence Sprint?

Knapp’s experience building Gmail, Google Meet, and Microsoft Encarta informs the book’s practicality. His tenure at Google Ventures allowed him to refine sprints across 150+ startups, blending Silicon Valley efficiency with design thinking.

What are common criticisms of the Design Sprint approach?

Some argue the 5-day timeline is unrealistic for deeply technical projects. However, the book emphasizes flexibility—sprints can be adjusted for simpler challenges or extended for complex ones.

How does Sprint help with decision paralysis?

The book’s structured voting methods (e.g., “dot stickers” for favorite ideas) and timeboxed debates force teams to commit swiftly, avoiding endless discussions.

What tools or templates support Sprint’s methodology?

While the book doesn’t mandate specific software, teams often use Miro or Figma for virtual collaboration. Physical tools include whiteboards, sticky notes, and prototyping kits for rapid iteration.

Similar books to Sprint

Start Reading Your Way
Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Key takeaways

1

From Months to Days: The Magic of the Five-Day Sprint

play
00:00
00:00

What if you could compress months of work into a single week? In 2007, Jake Knapp discovered something counterintuitive at Google: the best ideas weren't emerging from brainstorming sessions but from individuals working in focused solitude. This insight, combined with tight deadlines on projects like Gmail Priority Inbox, led to the development of the "Sprint" method - a five-day process that has revolutionized how companies solve problems. The method has become so effective that it's now required reading at Stanford's d.school and Harvard Business School. The beauty of a sprint lies in its ability to eliminate endless debate cycles by creating realistic prototypes that generate reliable customer data. It's like time travel - you get to see how customers react to your "finished" product before making massive resource commitments. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, organizations have used this method to launch products, improve medical care, and even name companies - all in just one workweek.

2

Monday: Setting Direction and Mapping the Challenge

3

Tuesday: Developing Solutions Through Individual Sketching

4

Wednesday: Making Decisions and Creating the Storyboard

5

Thursday: Building the Prototype Illusion

6

Friday: Testing with Real Users

7

From Sprint to Success: Learning and Implementation

Explore Your Way of Learning
Sprint isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Entrepreneurship. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Sprint Summary in 9 Minutes

Quick Summary
Quick Summary
Sprint Summary in 9 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Sprint into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

play
00:00
00:00

Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from Sprint in a Nutshell

Flash Card
Flash Card
Top 8 Insights from Sprint in a Nutshell

Distill Sprint into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Flash Mode Swiper

Fun Mode - Sprint Lessons Told Through 22-Min Stories

Fun
Fun
Sprint Lessons Told Through 22-Min Stories

Experience Sprint through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

play
00:00
00:00

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Sprint Summary in 0 Minutes

Personalize
Personalize
Experience Sprint in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

Flash Mode Swiper

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
Start your learning journey, now
Download This Summary

Get the Sprint summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.