What it is for:A design studio is a structured sketching session. You leave with a wall of photographed sketches, one or two revised concepts that combine the best parts of the group's thinking, and a clear test question for each.
Who it helps:Mixed teams designing a screen, form, letter or service moment, who want shared ownership of the solution rather than sign-off.
When to use it
You have a well-framed problem, ideally a how-might-we question, and need concrete ways to solve it.
A screen, form, letter or service moment needs a new layout and people disagree about what it should look like.
You want people from different teams to own the solution, not just approve it.
How to use it
Write the user need in one sentence where everyone can see it.
Everyone sketches alone in silence for 10 minutes.
Present each sketch in 2 minutes, then critique it only against the need.
Sketch a second version, borrowing the best parts from anyone.
Converge on one or two directions, turn each into a test question, and photograph everything.
Tip:Hand out the same pens and paper to everyone. Fancy tools make some sketches look finished and others look weak.
Credits and sources:Original Tiremesù worksheet and wording. Further reading: 18F Methods https://github.com/18F/methods/tree/main/_methods
Full guide and film:https://www.tiremesu.com/guides/design-studio
