What is an Assumption Card?

An assumption is a belief accepted as true without definitive proof. Every proposed idea inherently contains multiple assumptions that should be identified and validated. Below are common categories of assumptions that teams should consider:

Assumption TypeDescription
DesirabilityDoes this solution solve a meaningful problem for users, and will they want it?
UsabilityWill users intuitively understand and successfully use this solution?
FeasibilityCan this solution be delivered with the current team, resources, and capabilities?
ViabilityDoes this solution align with strategic goals and generate measurable business value?

Additional Considerations:

Assumption TypeDescription
Ethical ConsiderationsDoes this solution align with ethical standards and avoid potential harm to users, society, or the environment?
ScalabilityCan this solution grow to meet increasing demand without degrading quality or performance?
LegalAre there legal considerations that might impact implementation or adoption?

Note 🗒️: While the first four assumption types are foundational to most product development efforts, the additional types should be evaluated when relevant to the specific solution context.

Learn more

To learn more about how to use assumptions with other card types, view the Discovery Space guide.