T2
2 - 8 Contact Hours | Outputs in Less than 3 Days
Tier Two (T2) is an excellent choice to streamline the early phases of a NPD project, because it yields detailed illustrations of multiple concepts based on an initial round of elimination. Outputs for a tier two session include all the outputs of T1, plus a live ranking activity, and an additional round of refined and detailed illustrations.
A live, guided concept ideation session led by one or more designers
Dozens to hundreds of detailed black and white hand illustrations
Professional photography of the session, including a time lapse video
A spreadsheet with an illustration and description of each concept
A weighted Criteria-Based Matrix (CBM), based on stated project goals
Refined illustrations of the leading concepts
A digital deck consolidating all outputs into a single, shareable format
Loose (transparent PNG) copies of each illustration (for addition to other decks)
In a T2 session, a round of initial (T1) concepts are developed collaboratively as they are in T1. Following this initial session, the team is led through a ranking process using a Criteria-Based Matrix (CBM) — a weighted, interactive matrix that ranks each concept against the goals of the project, as stated at the beginning of the session. The matrix provides a structured approach to concept down-selection, ensuring that all concepts are ranked comprehensively and against targets that aren’t moving. Participants include stakeholders from within your organization who are present during the session. (Often, these include customers.) Concept rankings happen live, during the session.
With the highest ranking concepts identified, the team has one last opportunity to make tweaks to the designs before the close of the session. In the 3 - 5 days that follow, the Pixel and Timber team creates detailed sketch renderings of the resulting designs, and sends back a digital report deck, including these and the other outputs of the session.
T2 sessions can be executed over one or two days. The best T2 sessions include a 2 - 4 hour ideation session on day one, including a CBM-driven down-selection, followed by a second session to refine the concepts identified during the first day’s session.
The images below show a sampling of illustrations from several T2 sessions. Though focused on just the top few highest-ranking concepts, the outputs of a T2 session are more detailed than those of T1. They are meant to clearly illustrate the form and function of the conceptual devices and provide an excellent medium by which to show them to IP counsel, customers or investors. Illustrations often include value, color, and additional support sketches and photographs.
