Assumption canvas
To learn, we identify key assumptions at each stage of the project. These are the assumptions that entail the most uncertainty. In other words, if these assumptions are not true, then our plan has no value.
What should we investigate?
Objective: Identify what you know and what you don't know and what is worth investigating.
Work instruction short
- Duration: 20 – 45 minutes, depending on the case and group size
- Complexity: 4/5
- Group size: 2 – 6 participants
Introduction
In innovation projects we often work from our own idea or feeling. We call this assumptions. If these assumptions are incorrect, it may mean that the solution is not the right one. For example: the end user does not experience the problem, the solution does not work, cannot be created and so on. These assumptions are the basis for the experiments with which we test our assumptions.
What is the canvas?
X
When do you use the canvas?
X
Why a Canvas?
X
How do you use the canvas?
X
How does Canvas work?
X
KNOWN / UNKNOWN
You can plot the assumptions on the dimension of familiarity: how confident are you in your assumption?
UNIMPORTANT / CRITICAL
You can plot the assumptions on the dimension of importance: how crucial is your assumption?
Step by step instruction
This is an example that you can adapt to your own work style and work environment.
Prior to
Make sure you have printed the Assumption Map Canvas at least A1 size and that you have markers and post-its.
Checklist
- Invitation: time, location, theme/assignment, trigger question or inspiration link
- Space: large, comfortable, decorated differently than usual, whiteboards, etc.
- Materials: walls prepared with canvas and other supplies, markers, post-its
- Welcome energy shot, coffee, tea, water
- Pilot check: complete 30 minutes in advance with the help of the script and the co-facilitator/client or yourself to check whether everything is ready
Introducing the Assumption Map Canvas
You can use the canvas online, such as in Lucidspark, Miro, Mural, Teams Whiteboard, as well as physically. Hang the canvas and make sure all participants can see it.
Step 1: Introducing assumptions and purpose (5 min)
Briefly explain what assumptions are and what the purpose of this session is: determining the most important assumptions.
Step 2: Thinking about and writing down assumptions
Have all participants individually write down any assumptions they can think of. They write these assumptions on post-its. Indicate in advance that the assumptions must be formulated briefly and concisely, to the point, in one sentence.
Step 3: Sharing and posting the assumptions
Have participants take turns reading their assumptions. Once a participant has read his/her assumption, take it and ask the entire group where it should fall on the critical-unimportant scale. Then you ask where it should be on the known-unknown scale. At the 'intersection' of the scales, stick the post-it with the assumption on the canvas.
Repeat this process until all assumptions have been included. Because everyone says them one after the other, it remains fun to share. This way you prevent duplications.
As a check, you ask: do we have them all now or are we still missing assumptions? If so, add it.
Step 4: Determining the most important assumptions
Every phase in the innovation process has assumptions. By continually validating key assumptions, we reduce uncertainty about the problem, its solution and its implementation. Now ask the group which assumptions are most important for the phase you are in and which you can combine to validate them.
Next steps
With these assumptions you start an experiment. Write these assumptions on a pink post-it and stick them over the original post-its. This way it is clear that these assumptions are now being used. After the experiment has been conducted, the post-its may be written on a green post-it.
Wrapping up
Take a step back with the group and emphasize that a good job has been done.