intermediate · 60–60 min

From Risky Assumptions to Validated Prototypes

Don't waste time building the wrong thing. Identify and pressure-test your riskiest design assumptions first.

About this session

Teams often invest weeks into high-fidelity designs based on unverified guesses about user behavior or technical feasibility. This session isolates the 'make or break' assumptions that could sink a project if proven wrong, converting vague anxieties into a concrete plan for testing. You will leave with a prioritized list of experiments and a clear direction for your first prototype.

Why it works

Mapping assumptions onto a grid of impact versus certainty shifts the conversation from subjective feature preferences to objective risk management. By forcing the group to reach a consensus on which unknown is most dangerous, the session prevents scope creep and ensures design efforts are spent only on solving the most critical problems.

What you’ll walk away with

  • Clear actionable outcomes from a 3-step facilitated process
  • Increased participant engagement and buy-in
  • Documented decisions and next steps
  • Improved team alignment on the topic

Who it’s for

Product Designers, UX Researchers

Frequently asked questions

Who should facilitate this workshop?

This workshop works best when led by someone comfortable with facilitation. Ideal for Product Designers or external facilitators working with design thinking teams.

How long does this workshop take?

Plan for 60-90 minutes depending on group size. The 3 activities are designed to flow together smoothly.

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