Scrum is not suitable for Creative Processes

Creativity is an intuitive process

Shapes, layouts, colors, text and pictures cannot be calculated with exact science. You can’t test them like programming code. We like creative work when it captivates and evokes the right feeling. When you design, you explore different possibilities, you feel your way to the result. When you do this as a loner, you don’t have to agree on your process. But if you work in a team – like in a Scrum team – you will still need to make clear what steps you take and what the intermediate results are. A very good vehicle for this is the Design Thinking framework. In our Design Thinking & Lean Startup method, you learn how to creatively fill your Backlog with the steps from that process – and they are not User Stories!

Creativity needs frameworks

Compare these two drawing assignments, “Draw something beautiful” and “Show human connection and use only blue ink on A0. With the first assignment, it’s hard to start and hard to be proud of your creative find. With the second, it’s much better to do that; you challenge yourself. You can develop those frameworks well in the Scrum team. Design Thinking even offers a whole toolbox for that. You can put all the techniques from the Define phase on your Backlog. For example, try framing a design task with a Product Goal Canvas.

Creativity needs space and focus

When something interrupts you, it’s hard to be creative. I hear many creatives complain that in a Scrum team they don’t get to focused work. But nowhere in the Scrum framework does it say that you all have to be in the Scrum Room at all times. Nor does it say anywhere that everyone has to be approachable all the time. For example, you can agree not to disturb people with headphones on. Or you can set up a quiet room next to the Scrum Room for focused creative work.

Creativity needs contemplation

Sometimes the idea doesn’t come right away. Then you have to sleep on it overnight. That is normal. An idea is hard to plan for. So you cannot agree in the Daily Scrum that the idea will come today. You can agree that you will list as many ideas as possible. But the ultimate idea often comes during a walk or in the shower. So just take frequent breaks, too. Taking breaks is also allowed when you Scrum. But note that the idea only comes when you really take a rest. So without your phone, email or social media.

Conclusion: Scrum is useful, but not sufficient for creative processes

You need structure if you want to develop creativity in a team. Scrum only helps you prioritize your work and periodically adjust your plan. But to engage in a creative process together, you need more. Design Thinking is a popular and practical way to get a handle on the intuitive process of designing. As a designer, you can use it to create space and frameworks to make the most beautiful creations.

Would you like to exchange thoughts on how to give more structure to the creative processes in your team(s)? Curious if the Design Thinking & Lean Start-Up Training is something for you? Then feel free to get in touch.