Assumptions in User Research: What They Are and How to Handle Them

When designing a product, assumptions are often made about the users, their goals, and the use context. These assumptions can influence the design decisions made by the product team, but they may not always be accurate. User research can be used to test hypotheses and ensure that the product is designed with the users' needs and goals in mind. In this blog post, we will explore what assumptions are, how they can be tested in user research, and give examples of critical assumptions that should be tested.

What are assumptions?

Assumptions are beliefs that the product team holds about the users, their goals, or the context of use. They are based on past experiences, knowledge, and intuition. Assumptions can be beneficial as they provide a starting point for design decisions. However, they can also be problematic if they are not accurate, as they can lead to products that do not meet the users' needs and goals.

Why test assumptions in user research?

Testing assumptions in user research is essential to ensure that the product is designed with the users' needs and goals in mind. By testing assumptions, the product team can identify any gaps in their understanding of the users and adjust the design accordingly. It also helps to avoid making assumptions that are not accurate, which can lead to costly mistakes later in the development process.

How to test assumptions in user research

To test assumptions in user research, the product team should consider the following:

1. Is the assumption based on strong data?
Assumptions should be based on strong data, such as user feedback, research, or analytics. If the assumption is not based on strong data, it may not be worth testing.

2. Could the opposite of the assumption be validly held?
The product team should consider whether the opposite of the assumption could be validly held. If it is possible, then the assumption should be tested to determine which is more accurate.

3. Is the assumption important enough to affect the design of the product?
The product team should consider whether the assumption is important enough to affect the design of the product. If it is, then it should be tested.

Examples of important assumptions that should be tested

1. Assumptions related to users' needs
Assumptions about users' needs can be problematic if they are not accurate. For example, a product team may assume that users want a particular feature, but in reality, it is not something they need. User research can be used to identify the users' actual needs and adjust the product accordingly.

2. Assumptions related to users' goals
Assumptions about users' goals can also be problematic if they are not accurate. For example, a product team may assume that users want to complete a task as quickly as possible, but in reality, they may prioritize accuracy over speed. User research can be used to identify the users' actual goals and adjust the product accordingly

3. Assumptions related to the context of use
Assumptions about the context of use can also be problematic if they are not accurate. For example, a product team may assume that users will use the product in a particular way, but in reality, they may use it differently. User research can be used to identify the users' actual context of use and adjust the product accordingly.

Conclusion

Assumptions can be useful, but they can also be problematic if they are not accurate. User research can be used to test assumptions and ensure that the product is designed with the users' needs and goals in mind. When testing assumptions, it is essential to consider whether the assumption is based on strong data, whether the opposite of the assumption could be validly held, and whether the assumption is important enough to affect the design of the product.

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