Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough
One role, task by task, across a normal day or week
- PhaseUnderstand
- Group2 to 8 people
- Time45 minutes
- SettingRoom or remote
- ExecutivesBetter with a working team
What it is
A day-in-the-life walkthrough follows one role task by task across a normal day or week, noting the time each task takes, the tools used and where judgement is needed. It produces the task-level detail that is hard to get from a process diagram.
When to use it
When you need task-level detail for one role, for example before sorting tasks in the Select phase.
When to skip it
When you need to understand a process that crosses several roles. Use the Current-State Workflow Map.
How to run it
- 5 minPick the role and a recent real day or week.
- 20 minThe person walks through it task by task. Capture each task on a note, in their words.
- 10 minAdd the tools used, the interruptions and the hours.
- 10 minMark the judgement calls and the tasks they would happily give away.
About 45 minutes of method time. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
What to watch for
Averaging a typical day. Ask for the last real day, with its interruptions.
The AI lens
Ask which tasks they do alone and which they check with someone. The checking tells you the real trust cost.
What you leave with
A list of tasks with time, tools and judgement marked, ready to sort in the Select phase.
An example
An analyst walks through her last real Tuesday: fourteen tasks, three repeated copy-and-paste steps, two that depend on her experience, and one she would be glad never to do again. The list becomes the raw material for deciding which tasks to automate and which to keep.
How it compares
A Day-in-the-Life covers one role across many tasks. A Current-State Workflow Map covers one process across many roles.
Related methods
Questions
What is Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough?
A day-in-the-life walkthrough follows one role task by task across a normal day or week, noting the time each task takes, the tools used and where judgement is needed. It produces the task-level detail that is hard to get from a process diagram.
When should I use Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough?
When you need task-level detail for one role, for example before sorting tasks in the Select phase.
How long does Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough take and how many people do I need?
Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough takes about 45 minutes and suits 2 to 8 people, plus a facilitator. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
How is Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough different from other methods?
A Day-in-the-Life covers one role across many tasks. A Current-State Workflow Map covers one process across many roles.
Can I run Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough remotely or with executives?
Yes. Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough works in the room or remotely. Remotely, put the canvas on a shared board in advance and write silently in the board, not in chat. Executives: Better with a working team.