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  1. UX Strategy Kit
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  3. Break Down 4
advancedstrategizewarm-up
Break Down 4Break down complex topics to make them understandable for everyone.
15 – 20 min1+ Participantsworkshopbrainstormingcreative
+3
Open in FigJam
Summary
Whether it's a value proposition, a definition, or a digital product, communicating a complex issue to outsiders requires simplifying it. For this purpose, the core meaning should be discussed. The Break Down 4 method helps to summarize what is really important in four steps. However, this can be helpful not only for customers or users, but also for the designers and developers themselves, as they can gain clarity through the method.
Step-by-step
  1. At the beginning of this method, there is a description of a digital product or a business idea. In the first step, the description is shortened into one or two sentences consisting of no more than 16 words in total. The most important statements should appear in this summary.
  2. Now the definition, broken down to 16 words, is ready and the next challenge can begin. For this step, the description needs to be shortened to 8 words.
  3. The same game: now it becomes a bit more challenging because the description is reduced again to 4 words in this step. Make sure that the core message remains despite its shortness. What is important to mention?
  4. Last but not least, the final task of this method is to halve the description again into two words. Afterward, the definition can be tested by presenting it to people who do not know the product, service, or business idea. Does the short description help them to understand the subject? If not, run the method again or try to present the concept in a One-Minute-Pitch first.
What you need
  • Break Down 4 template
Do you have a question?
These methods might seem simple, but applying them in a real project is another story. We’re there to help. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at the User Experience Strategy & Design team.
Ask Away!
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