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An Assumptions Map is a collaborative tool used to identify, organise, and prioritise assumptions about a project, idea, or user behaviour, enabling teams to focus on the most critical uncertainties. It is widely used in both Design Thinking and Growth Hacking to ensure that decisions are based on evidence rather than untested beliefs.
In Design Thinking:
- Clarity on Assumptions: Assumptions mapping helps design teams articulate and categorise their beliefs about users, problems, and solutions during the Define and Ideate stages.
- Prioritising Risks: By mapping assumptions, teams can identify which beliefs pose the highest risk and need validation through research or testing.
- Supporting Iteration: The tool ensures that prototypes and solutions are developed based on validated insights, aligning with the iterative and user-centric nature of Design Thinking.
In Growth Hacking:
- Aligning Hypotheses: Growth teams use assumptions mapping to align on key hypotheses about customer behaviour, market dynamics, or campaign performance.
- Focus on Validation: By prioritising high-impact assumptions, growth hackers can design experiments or A/B tests to quickly validate ideas and optimise strategies.
- Reducing Wasted Effort: Mapping assumptions prevents teams from investing time and resources into areas where foundational beliefs have not been confirmed.
Examples of Application:
- In Design Thinking: Organising assumptions about user pain points and preferences before prototyping a new feature or product.
- In Growth Hacking: Identifying assumptions about a new acquisition channel’s effectiveness and testing them through targeted campaigns.
In both contexts, an Assumptions Map fosters alignment within teams, encourages evidence-based decision-making, and helps maintain a focus on addressing the most pressing uncertainties, ensuring that efforts remain agile and impactful.
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