UX Integration in Scrum Sprints
UX is integrated into Scrum, not handled separately. Design and validation happen within Sprints and backlog refinement, supporting continuous, …
TL;DR; There are no special Sprints in Scrum for design or other functions; all work needed to meet the Sprint Goal, including UX and design, should happen within the Sprint or during Refinement if it is for future preparation. Segmenting Sprints by function creates silos and goes against Scrum’s purpose of delivering high-quality working software. Development managers should focus on integrating design and architecture work into the regular Sprint flow rather than isolating it.

I’m still surprised how often I get asked about “Design Sprints” in Scrum. Let’s be clear—there are no special Sprints. No Sprint 0. No release Sprint. No hardening Sprint. And definitely no Design Sprint.
Scrum is a social technology for solving complex problems. Trying to segment Sprints by function (design, test, build) reflects a Taylorist approach rooted in the Industrial Revolution, not the realities of modern product development.
If your UX work is critical to delivering the Sprint Goal, then it belongs in the Sprint. If it’s about preparing for the future, then it’s part of Refinement. But none of it needs a dedicated, isolated timebox.
The goal is high-quality working software, not siloed ceremonies.
How are you integrating UX, design, and architecture into your Sprint without breaking the flow?
Each classification [Concepts, Categories, & Tags] was assigned using AI-powered semantic analysis and scored across relevance, depth, and alignment. Final decisions? Still human. Always traceable. Hover to see how it applies.
If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.
We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.

Alignment Healthcare

Philips

Brandes Investment Partners L.P.

Milliman

Emerson Process Management

Boeing

Schlumberger

Jack Links

Slicedbread

Lean SA

Lockheed Martin

Higher Education Statistics Agency
CR2

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Slaughter and May
Boxit Document Solutions

Ericson

Illumina

Washington Department of Enterprise Services

Royal Air Force

Ghana Police Service

Washington Department of Transport

Nottingham County Council

Department of Work and Pensions (UK)

Workday

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Boeing

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd

Hubtel Ghana

YearUp.org