Assumption Based Design
Assumption Based Design is a software development methodology that focuses on explicitly identifying, documenting, and validating assumptions made during the design process to reduce risk and improve decision-making. It involves systematically testing assumptions through experiments, prototypes, or data analysis before committing to full-scale implementation. This approach helps teams avoid building features or systems based on unverified beliefs, leading to more resilient and user-centered products.
Developers should use Assumption Based Design when working on innovative projects, complex systems, or in environments with high uncertainty, such as startups or new product development, to mitigate the risk of costly rework. It is particularly valuable in agile and lean contexts where rapid iteration is key, as it provides a structured way to validate hypotheses about user needs, technical feasibility, or market fit before investing significant resources. This methodology enhances collaboration by making implicit assumptions explicit, fostering data-driven decisions over guesswork.