Always learning - Assumption testing

Introduction

Every design has underlying assumptions or beliefs. An example is: integrating group work in the design ensures that all learners are engaged. While this assumption sounds quite credible, the human-istic design principle invites us to test whether these assumptions are true. By testing our assumptions we apply action science to further our understanding of the people we are designing for and the fit of the design towards these needs.

Assumptions are closed ended statements and can be formulated by asking what and why for important design decisions.

Integrating group work = what

To ensure learners are engaged = why

Assumption testing is a quality of reflective practitioners and is further strengthened by a team culture that supports inquiry and questioning each other's ideas. The ladder of inference introduced by Argyris and Schön illustrates that we sometimes act from the top of the ladder, for a reflective practice they encourage designers to climb back down the ladder to check assumptions against observable data and experience. When testing your assumptions as a designer it is important to explain (why) more subtle and sometimes invisible learning dynamics, such as culture, gender, emotion, history but also support systems.

Designers can test their assumptions in multiple ways:

• Observing activities
• Having a conversation about the design with someone with a different perspective
• Conduct a survey, interview or Focus Group Discussion with end-users
• Gain feedback from end-users on your prototype

Excited to become a reflective practitioner? Find out how Schön recommends design as a reflective practice here.