+ What is Design for Business Value?

Design for Business Value is a methodology which develops team creativity, innovation, and collaborative behaviors to increase the business value of your investments.

+ What is the cost?

$900 per person, with a 10% “early bird” discount if registered and paid 30 days before the class.

+ How large are the classes?

You will work in teams of four. This class works well with up to 100 attendees. This particular venue accommodates a maximum class size of 32.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

Full payment is required at registration. You may cancel 30 days before the class and receive a full refund. After that, there is a $200 cancellation fee.

+ What materials are provided?

All participants receive a link to download the presentation materials. Most content is covered under a Creative Commons license and may be reused as you wish. All participants who complete the class will receive a certificate of a completion.

+ I'm not a designer. Is this course a good fit for me?

Absolutely. We'll cover some of the basic tools that designers use as part of their process, like storyboards, brainstorming, user testing and prototypes, but our main focus is on how teams can integrate these practices into their methodology, whatever that might be.

+ I don't have a technology background. Do I need one to take this class?

We don't cover any technical topics in class. We focus on how teams figure out what to build, how to generate better ideas together, test them out, and prioritize the most important things to build first. As it turns out, these topics apply to the design of business, strategy, organizations, marketing content, process optimization and organizational leadership, not just software development.

+ I am an experienced designer already. Will I learn anything new?

We think so. Ever wonder why design doesn't get a seat at the table? Or why great designs don't get prioritized? Ever wonder what makes non-designers tick? You'll learn how to integrate the great design practices that you already know into the delivery process. You'll learn how to develop a common language with your business partners and increase the impact you can make.

+ I manage a team. Does it make sense for me to take this class, or should I just send my team?

It's great to attend along with your team, side by side, but if they can't make it, no big deal. As a manager, you will learn how to nurture and develop a high performing design-lead team. For you, this isn't class isn't about building individual design skills -- it's about applying the design process to increase innovation and get better results from the team you have.

+ Is there anything I need to do to prepare ahead of time?

No.

+ Can I earn PMI PDUs (professional development units) for attending this class?

Yes, 16 if you attend the full two days. Claim them under category B, described here.

+ What time does the class start and end?

9am to 5pm, both days.

+ What about breaks and lunch?

We'll break for lunch around noon. You'll be on your own but there are a bunch of great restaurants close by. Morning and afternoon breaks will be 15 minutes. Coffee, water, and tea will be provided.

+ Do I need to bring anything with me to the class?

No. Well, I'm pretty sure Hyatt has a "no shirt, no shoes, no service" policy. Unless you book a room. Just wear clothes to class.

+ Does Navicet provide an interpreter?

Navicet does not currently provide translator or interpreter services for course attendees. However, attendees are welcome to provide their own interpreters as needed.

+ We are using Agile/waterfall. Will this approach work for us?

The good news is that Design for Business Value works with any delivery methodology you use, including Agile, waterfall, Lean, Six Sigma, VSM, etc. You can incorporate the principles, behaviors, and methods you'll learn in class into your work, regardless of what process you use.

+ What about parking?

Complementary covered parking is available at the Hyatt.

+ How in the heck do I convince my manager to pay for me to take this?

Well, it actually isn't that hard. Most managers respond pretty warmly when they find out that this isn't just another one of those fluffy boondoggles, but has some real hard-core business value. You just have to explain it simply to them. Need help? Try this:

Dear Manager,

Here's a link to a training on October 21st and 22nd, Design for Business Value Boot Camp, that I would like to take [optional] and I think we should consider having our entire team attend together.

You can see the full agenda at the link above, but here are 5 modules that I think are particularly relevant for us: [select 5]

• Strategy definition
• Strategy mobilization - linking strategy to execution
• Measuring business value
• Assessing capabilities
• Design principles and the case for design
• Strategy definition
• Strategy mobilization - linking strategy to execution
• Measuring business value
• Assessing capabilities
• User research
• Building personas
• Measuring success, quality in use
• Creating scenarios
• Measuring scenarios through user experience outcomes
• Requirements, business process, and user stories
• Value-driven prioritization
• Brainstorming
• Sketching and storyboarding
• Building prototypes
• Early user testing
• A new way to work - why design matters
• Sustaining the change - team journey map

I can arrange for others to cover my responsibilities during the days I attend training. The general cost is $900/person, however if we send 4 or more people we can take advantage of group rates (15% off). [If you are in the Puget Sound area, say this:] The training is held locally here in Redmond so there wouldn't be any travel expenses.

I'm looking for your approval to attend this training. Thank you for your consideration.