Validated Assumptions

Validated Assumptions are beliefs or hypotheses about a product, market, user behaviour, or technology that have been tested and confirmed through empirical evidence. Validation transforms assumptions from uncertain guesses into reliable insights that can guide product development and strategy.

Purpose

The purpose of identifying and documenting Validated Assumptions is to build confidence in product development decisions by grounding them in evidence. By validating assumptions, teams can ensure that product features and enhancements are more likely aligned with real user needs and behaviours, reducing the risk of product failure and increasing the likelihood of success.

Anti-patterns

• Confirmation Bias: Interpreting evidence in a way that confirms pre-existing beliefs, ignoring data that might contradict the assumption.

• Overgeneralisation: Applying findings from a limited sample or specific context to a broader population without additional validation.

• Stagnation: Relying on validated assumptions for too long without revisiting or retesting them as market conditions and user behaviours evolve.