Assumption Mapping

Kyle Bowen

We often make decisions based on untested assumptions — Heuristics are critical in helping us juggle our various roles at work. But assumptions are a double-edged sword — As often as they help accelerate our decisions, they can also to misaligned strategies or wasted resources. Since it’s often hard to tell when our assumptions undermine our work, we need ways to identify and test them. Assumption Mapping can help.   This event will extend our previous session on Opportunity Mapping (though you do not have to have attended that session to participate in this one). We’ll go deeper into Teresa Torres’s Continuous Discovery process, looking at how she evaluates which assumptions to test for a proposed solution to a user’s needs. You'll learn: • How to uncover hidden assumptions in your museum’s projects and initiatives • Techniques for prioritizing which assumptions to test first • Practical ways to validate or invalidate assumptions quickly and cost-effectively We’ll use Miro for hands-on practice, applying these approaches to real museum scenarios. Whether planning a new exhibit, revamping your membership program, or developing educational offerings, Assumption Mapping can help you make more informed decisions and better serve your community. How to participateThis session is free for Supporting and Museum Members. Leave a comment on this post if you'd like to attend and be added to the RSVP list. Others can purchase a ticket for $18. Sessions are recorded, edited to remove sensitive information, and then shared in the Progress Insights space. Who should attend: This session is ideal for museum professionals involved in strategy, visitor experience, education, or any role that requires making decisions about programs, exhibits, or audience engagement. No prior knowledge of Assumption Mapping is required. If you’re interested in visitor-centered design and evidence-based decision-making, this session is for you.