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Unlock Hidden Risks and Opportunities with the Questions and Assumptions Activity



We've all been there - you start a new project feeling confident and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. But as you dig deeper, you realize there are gaps in your knowledge and understanding. Unforeseen risks and hidden opportunities start to emerge, leaving you feeling uncertain about the path forward.


That's where the Questions and Assumptions activity can be a game-changer. As the toolkit states, "You have to guess. This is the basis for the scientific method. Form a hypothesis and test to see if it's right or wrong." By embracing this mindset and following a structured approach, you can reduce the risk of being wrong and "fail fast and fail cheap."


Here's how the activity works:


Step 1: Brainstorm Assumptions and Questions

Kick things off by having each team member write down their assumptions and questions about the project on separate sticky notes. No discussion or judgment allowed at this stage – just let the ideas flow freely, following the principle of "write before you talk."


Step 2: Map Out the Risks

Next, create a two-by-two grid with "High-risk" at the top, "Low-risk" at the bottom, "Certain" on the left, and "Uncertain" on the right. As a team, quickly evaluate each sticky note and place it on the grid where it makes the most sense.


Step 3: Identify High-Risk Uncertainties

Now it's time to dive into the juicy stuff – the high-risk and uncertain items in the upper-right quadrant. These are the areas that pose the greatest potential risks to your project's success.


Step 4: Build an Action Plan

For each high-risk uncertainty, brainstorm different ways to validate or invalidate your assumptions and questions. The toolkit suggests exploring various options, such as talking to subject matter experts, conducting direct observations, building prototypes, or running experiments to test your hypotheses.

Step 5: Playback and Refine

Wrap up the activity by having one team member summarize the identified assumptions and questions, while another recaps the action plan to address them. This final step ensures everyone is on the same page and provides an opportunity to refine your strategies, following the principle of "yes, and..." to build on each other's ideas.


The beauty of the Questions and Assumptions activity lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. By following the guidelines outlined in the toolkit, such as staying focused on your users, avoiding side conversations, and sticking to the time limit, you can maximize the impact of this exercise.


As the toolkit emphasizes, taking the time to uncover and address your team's blind spots early on can significantly reduce the risks associated with your project and increase your chances of success. So, the next time you find yourself facing uncertainty, embrace the Questions and Assumptions activity and unlock a world of hidden risks and opportunities.

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