About this session
Materials Lab: Test Before You Choose is a 90-minute to half-day in-person decision-making workshop for teams who want to practice evidence-based choices by testing materials against a brief.
Working with real material samples, teams devise simple tests and compare results, practicing the same discipline good decisions need at work.
Participants leave with a clearer method for testing options against criteria and explaining choices with evidence, not just appearance.
What your people take away
- Compare material samples against a design brief
- Devise simple tests and repeat observations
- Record evidence consistently across options
- Justify choices beyond appearance alone
- Apply the same method to decisions at work
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- What each length covers, 90 minutes to half day
- Everything that’s covered, part by part
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What each length covers
90 minutes
Compare samples against a briefTeams examine material samples against a design brief and devise simple tests to compare them. They practice recording evidence instead of relying on first impressions.
- Compare material samples against a design brief
- Devise simple tests and repeat observations
Covers 2 of 4 parts: Compare material samples against a design brief and Devise simple tests and repeat observations.
Half day
Test, decide and justifyAdds a decision against the brief, a presentation that justifies the choice with evidence and a look at real work decisions. Teams leave with a method they can reuse.
- Compare material samples against a design brief
- Devise simple tests and repeat observations
- Decide and justify the choice
- Apply the method to real decisions
Covers all 4 parts.
What’s covered
Compare material samples against a design brief
Every length- Read the brief carefullyTeams identify what the material must do, such as bend, resist water or feel comfortable.
- Make first impressions explicitParticipants note which sample they would pick on looks alone, to revisit later.
- Turn needs into criteriaGroups convert the brief into criteria they can actually check.
Devise simple tests and repeat observations
Every length- Design fair testsTeams create simple tests that treat each sample the same way.
- Repeat and recordGroups run each test more than once and record results consistently.
Decide and justify the choice
Half day only- Weigh the evidenceTeams compare results against the criteria and choose a material.
- Explain the choiceEach team presents its decision and the evidence behind it, including trade-offs.
- Revisit first impressionsParticipants compare their final choice with what they would have picked on appearance.
Apply the method to real decisions
Half day only- Choose a real decisionTeams pick a work decision, such as a supplier or tool choice, that would benefit from testing.
- Plan simple testsGroups outline criteria and tests they could use before deciding.
Tools and materials
- Material samples and test tools, provided
- Design brief card
- Criteria builder
- Test record sheet
- Decision justification template
Who it’s for
- Teams that compare suppliers, tools or options
- Procurement and operations teams
- Product and design teams
- Teams building evidence-based decision habits
How booking works
- Book online. Create a free Workbliss profile, then pay with session credits, by card or by invoice.
- Pick a date. Choose a date at least 14 days ahead, or book now and set the date later.
- Choose your expert. Within 3 working days, we send you profiles of the experts available for your date.
- We deliver it. Your expert is briefed on your people and goals, then runs the session live online or at your site.
Questions about Materials Lab: Test Before You Choose
How long is Materials Lab: Test Before You Choose?
Materials Lab: Test Before You Choose runs as 90 minutes or half day. You choose the length when you book. A 90-minute session covers Compare material samples against a design brief and Devise simple tests and repeat observations. A half-day session adds Decide and justify the choice and Apply the method to real decisions.
Can Materials Lab: Test Before You Choose be delivered online or in person?
It is delivered in person, at your site, in any country.
How do we book Materials Lab: Test Before You Choose?
Create a free Workbliss profile with your work email, then open Materials Lab: Test Before You Choose to see the price for each length and book it. You can pay with session credits, by card or by invoice, and choose a date at least 14 days ahead, or set it later.
Who leads the session?
A vetted Workbliss expert, briefed on your people, culture and goals before the session. After you book, we send you profiles of the experts available for your date within 3 working days, so you can choose who leads it.
Can it be tailored to our company?
Yes. Every session is shaped around your goals, your people and the benefits you already offer, and delivered by experts in your people’s languages.