A day in the life of a one-day design sprint
![]() |
Anna Plodowski and George Kalathil discuss the ICE/Wavin Design Sprint and how the innovative use of design thinking could potentially lead to new solutions that allow for better management of surface water. |
For those in the dark, a ‘design sprint’ is a workshop method designed to stimulate frank and collaborative discussions with the aim of generating innovative ideas and proposals. Design sprints use ‘design thinking’, an approach where the needs of stakeholders and end-users are used as key inputs to trigger productive insights.
Contents |
[edit] Collective thinking
On 5 December, ICE and Wavin brought together 35 sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) professionals at Wallace Space – an art deco, ocean liner-themed, creative space with supplies of retro candy.
Delegates represented a diverse range of organisations, including local authorities, housing developers, engineering firms, water companies and supply chain partners. These delegates were challenged to break from the cycle of endless discussion and create four blueprints of projects that would allow better management of surface water.
Working in four teams, the participants whittled over 80 ideas down to four proposition blueprints on better management of surface water according to SuDS principles. ICE and Wavin will now circulate the results of these sprint sessions and gather more input from the SuDS community, as well as generating more ideas on surface water management.
[edit] What is a design sprint?
Design sprints can be as short as a day or as long as several months. Whatever their length, there are three key ingredients:
- A broad range of participants.
- A clear structure that enables frank and collaborative discussion, along with the production of innovative proposals.
- A strong focus on generating clear results – a design sprint should not just be a talking shop.
Design sprints are a particularly good way of re-invigorating domains where people have become bogged down by apparently insurmountable obstacles with the way forward seemingly difficult to plot.
[edit] What happened at the ICE-Wavin SuDS Design Sprint?
The day’s activities were in three parts:
- Establishing teams and discussion
- Brainstorming
- Fine tuning
[edit] 1. Establishing teams and discussion
After a welcome from ICE’s Head of Knowledge, Nathan Baker, and David Balmforth, Technical Director at MWH and ICE Past President, the 40 participants were divided into four teams of 10. Within teams, participants then shared their hopes and fears about addressing the challenge of improved surface water management.
[edit] 2. Brainstorming
This happened in two phases. In the first, teams focused on the particular ‘persona’ or ‘end user’ they had been given to work on. Examples included an LLFA [Lead Local Flood Authority], a WaSC (water and sewerage company), a homeowner, or a firm that leases property.
In the second phase, teams were given 25 examples from different industries where new insights had resulted in the development of innovative solutions. This triggered flexible discussions as participants discussed their favourites within their teams.
[edit] 3. Fine tuning
Finally, teams elaborated on their own proposals within sub-teams, and then selected one for the whole team to work on. This included sketching out the aspects of a proposal, using storytelling methods to make links with relevant audiences, and then reporting back the final proposal to all delegates.
The day ended with a discussion of what the next steps would be and what content would be produced after the event.
To find out more and view content from the ICE-Wavin SuDS Design Sprint, visit the ICE Water page.
This article was authored by Anna Plodowski (Knowledge Content Producer, ICE) and George Kalathil (Global Partnerships Manager, ICE). It first appeared on February 12 on the website of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Brainstorm.
- BREEAM Surface water run-off.
- Concept architectural design checklist.
- Concept design.
- Design intent.
- Design methodology.
- Green roofs.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Lead local flood authorities LLFAs.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- SuDS infographic.
- River engineering.
- Sewer construction.
- Sewerage.
- Soakaway.
- Sprint.
- Sprint retrospectives.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems - latest guidance.
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems SUDS
- Sustainable water.
- The SuDS Manual.
- User panels for briefing and design development.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.