Design It!

Activity 5

List Assumptions

Assumptions are truths about the system we simply take for granted. Hidden assumptions kill projects (or at least cause significant pain). With the list assumptions activity, we take assumptions out of the shadows by writing down as many assumptions as we can. Use this information to plan further design work, prioritize next steps, improve ASRs, and improve the team’s shared knowledge about the architecture.

Benefits

• Head off misunderstandings about the true goals and requirements.
• Great for ad hoc analysis. Does not require a formal workshop or agenda.
• Avoid missing important requirements.

Activity Timing

15--30 minutes

Participants

Whole team working in pairs or small groups (no more than 3--5 people).

This can be done ...