converge · Decision Making, Feedback · 60–120 min · 3-10 people plus a Decider · medium energy
Sticky Decision
A structured way to pick the strongest ideas from a wall of solution sketches without endless debate. Sketches hang in a row like a museum. People silently mark the parts they like with small dots, then each sketch gets a three-minute critique. Everyone casts one non-binding vote, and the Decider makes the final call with a supervote.
When to use Sticky Decision
Use when a team has several worked-out concepts and needs to choose what to build or test, with input from all but a clear final decision.
What it solves
Decision meetings become a contest of persuasion, and the best-presented idea wins rather than the best idea.
How to run Sticky Decision, step by step
- Art museum: tape the solution sketches to the wall in one long row (5 min).
- Heat map: everyone looks in silence and puts small dots beside the parts they like, and writes questions on sticky notes below the sketch (10-15 min).
- Speed critique: three minutes per sketch. The facilitator narrates, the group names standout ideas, a scribe captures them; the sketcher reveals themselves at the end and adds what was missed (3 min per sketch).
- Straw poll: each person silently chooses a favourite idea and places one large dot as a non-binding vote, then briefly explains it (10 min).
- Supervote: the Decider places their special dots on the ideas the team will take forward (5 min).
Materials needed
- Solution sketches
- Masking tape
- Small dot stickers (20-30 per person)
- Large dot stickers
- Special dots for the Decider
- Sticky notes
Facilitator tips
- Keep the sketcher silent until the end of their critique so the sketch is judged on what it shows.
- Name the Decider before the session, not after the votes.
- Be strict on the three-minute critique timer.
Common pitfalls
- The heat map turns into a conversation. It should be silent.
- The Decider defers to the straw poll every time, which defeats the point of a supervote.
Variations
- Use only the art museum and heat map as a quick silent review of any posted work.
Running it online or hybrid
Post sketches in a row on a shared board and use stamps or dots. Keep the speed critique strictly timed.
What it produces
A heat-mapped wall of sketches, captured standout ideas and objections, and a decided set of concepts to take forward.
Origin
The decision sequence from Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky's Design Sprint: art museum, heat map, speed critique, straw poll and supervote. — source
Build a session around Sticky Decision
METODIC places Sticky Decision inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.