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src/content/writings/2023-10-25-assumptions.mdx

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ draft: true
 ---
 
 import Aside from '@components/Aside.astro';
+import ImpactMapFigure from '@components/ImpactMapFigure.astro';
 
 <Aside>
 **Read first:** [Build the right thing with impact maps](/2023-10-24/impact)
@@ -15,26 +16,38 @@ A substantial amount of work done in information technology, the work in our per
 
 There is a lot between those ends. There are many opportunities to get it wrong. Much of what prevents or hinders solving problems is assuming a particular solution will result in the desired effect.
 
-An assumption endangers a desired effect in three ways. They can be unexamined, unproved, or unshared.
+An assumption is dangerous in three ways: They can be unexamined, unproved, or unshared.
 
 ## Unexamined
 
 First, an assumption is unexamined when it is undefined, unclear, or misunderstood. Assumptions can start to be addressed when they are written down.
 
 Use impact maps to expose the assumptions between the problem space and solution space. The assumption is that a particular problem is solved by a particular solution. In an impact map, every deliverable is an assumption against its corresponding impact.
 
+<ImpactMapFigure>
+- **Problem space**
+	- **1.** Goal
+	- **2.** Actors
+	- **3.** Impacts
+- **Solution space**
+	- **4.** Deliverables (are assumptions until verified)
+	- **5.** Experiments
+</ImpactMapFigure>
+
 ## Unproved
 
 Second, an assumption is unproved when it is not verified that the cause will achieve the desired effect. Research helps to test hypotheses by asking questions, gathering evidence, and analyzing findings. If the hypothesis is proven wrong, adapt and test again. If it is proven right, the hypothesis is verified, and the team can move forward in confidence.
 
-Use impact maps to list and prioritize the experiments that should verify a particular deliverable will result in the desired impact.
+Use impact maps to list and prioritize the experiments that should verify a particular deliverable will result in the desired impact. In prose, ask:
+
+> We assume [deliverable] will result in [impact]. We will know this is true if [experiment] results in [outcome].
 
 ## Unshared
 
 Third, an assumption is unshared when it is not widely known. This breakdown easily happens across disciplines. For example, a designer may hand off a sketch of an interface to a developer. That sketch may include a button that behaves in a certain way that may be obvious to the designer and other designers, but it may not be obvious to a developer. Inevitably, a detail is overlooked which may have been caught earlier in the process. This may cause negative effects on the team or even on the end user experience.
 
-Use impact maps to share and collaborate with the team and stakeholders, so assumptions are known and can be intentionally managed.
+Use impact maps to share and collaborate with the team and stakeholders, so everyone can work together to discuss and manage these assumptions.
 
 ## Conclusion
 
-As problem solvers, we need some way to define unexamined assumptions, test unproved assumptions, and communicate unshared assumptions. Impact mapping helps us achieve all these things. When we do this, we can more confidently know that a particular cause will result in the desired effect.
+As problem solvers, we need some way to define unexamined assumptions, test unproved assumptions, and communicate unshared assumptions. Impact maps help us achieve all these things. When we use impact maps, we can more confidently know that a particular cause will result in the desired effect.