Invalidated Assumptions

Invalidated Assumptions are initial beliefs or hypotheses about a product, market, user behaviour, or technology that have been proven wrong through empirical evidence. This evidence contradicts the original assumption, highlighting a gap in understanding or a misconception.

Purpose

The purpose of identifying and documenting invalidated assumptions is to avoid the pitfalls of building products only to discover that they don't achieve the desired outcomes.

Anti-patterns

• Blame Game: Assigning blame for invalidated assumptions rather than focusing on learning and improvement.

• Overcorrection: Reacting to invalidated assumptions by making drastic changes without sufficient analysis or validation of the new direction.