SOP: Running a Design Discovery Alignment Call

1. Purpose

To validate discovery findings with all stakeholders, close open questions, and gain alignment before UX planning begins.

2. Scope

Applies to all design projects where intake activities have been completed (brief, interview, goals, persona, checklist).

3. Step-by-Step Process

Stage A – Preparation

  1. Review all intake documents (brief, interview notes, persona lite, success criteria).
  2. Draft the Discovery Summary Presentation with key findings.
  3. Prepare a list of open questions or unclear points.
  4. Send meeting invite with agenda and pre-read slides (optional).

Stage B – Running the Call

  1. Kickoff (5 mins)
    • Introduce purpose: validate findings, confirm success criteria, align expectations.
  2. Context Recap (10 mins)
    • Present summary of intake: goals, user context, problem framing.
  3. Open Items Discussion (15–20 mins)
    • Walk through unclear points or conflicts.
    • Document decisions in real time.
  4. Validation of Success Criteria (10 mins)
    • Confirm what “success” looks like for business, users, and design team.
  5. Next Steps Agreement (5–10 mins)
    • Align on timeline, scope, and responsibilities.

Stage C – Post-Call Actions

  1. Update the Discovery Summary Presentation with validated inputs.
  2. Circulate meeting notes + final deck to all stakeholders.
  3. Store finalized summary in project folder.
  4. Mark Intake Completeness Checklist as done.
  5. Trigger handoff to UX Planning team.

4. Roles & Responsibilities

  • Design Lead → Facilitates call, presents summary, ensures alignment.
  • PM/Account Manager → Brings business context, confirms scope/timelines.
  • Client/Stakeholders → Validate goals, user context, constraints.
  • Designer Assigned → Capture notes and update documents.

5. Governance

  • No UX planning may start until this call has been completed and validated.
  • Major conflicts unresolved in call → escalate to Delivery Head.