Sometimes, brainstorming can get a bit too repetitive—basically, you are recycling ideas that never really come up with anything new or particularly life-changing. That is where Reverse Assumption Analysis (RAA) comes into play. RAA is a technique that encourages you to question your basic assumptions about a problem, leading you to explore entirely new solutions.
What is Reverse Assumption Analysis?
Reverse Assumption Analysis is a method that comprises challenging your beliefs and assumptions about the problem in hand. You are essentially reversing these assumptions. This way, one will be able to find a different approach towards solving the problem. This technique keeps you off routine thinking and thus helps in giving newer solutions.
How Does Reverse Assumption Analysis Work?
The process of Reverse Assumption Analysis is straightforward and involves the following steps:
Identify the Challenge: Clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. For example, you might be facing low sales for a new product.
Uncover the Assumptions: Identify the underlying assumptions related to the problem. For instance, you might assume that low sales are due to high prices.
Flip the Script: Reverse the assumption by considering that price might not be the issue. Instead, perhaps customers don't understand the product's benefits.
Brainstorm Based on Reversals: Generate ideas based on these reversed assumptions. You might explore improving product information or marketing strategies.
Evaluate and Refine: Assess the ideas generated, focusing on feasibility and impact. Refine the most promising solutions to make them actionable.
Example of Reverse Assumption Analysis
Scenario:
CraftCo, a small business that sells handmade wooden kitchen utensils, is struggling with low sales.
Identify the Challenge:
Problem: CraftCo’s handmade utensils aren’t selling well, leaving them with extra inventory.
Uncover the Assumptions:
Assumption: They believe their products aren’t selling because they’re too expensive.
Flip the Script:
New Perspective: Instead of focusing on the price, CraftCo considers that customers might not see the value of their handmade products.
Brainstorm Based on Reversals:
Ideas:
They rewrite product descriptions to highlight the quality and care in making each utensil.
They create videos showing how the utensils are crafted by hand.
They work with eco-friendly influencers to spread the word about the uniqueness of their products.
Evaluate and Refine:
Action: After improving their marketing and storytelling, CraftCo sees more customer interest and an increase in sales as people begin to understand why the utensils are worth the price.
Who Can Benefit from Reverse Assumption Analysis?
Reverse Assumption Analysis is useful for a wide range of professionals:
Innovation Managers: Explore unconventional solutions for product development and market growth.
Product Development Teams: Break free from constraints and consider new product features or services.
Marketing Professionals: Challenge existing assumptions about marketing channels and campaign strategies.
Business Leaders: Make informed decisions by questioning traditional strategies and considering new market trends.
Unlocking Your Innovation Potential with Reverse Assumption Analysis
Using the reverse assumption analysis, individuals and organizations can break through creativity barriers and bring out untapped innovation potential.
First Loop offers tailor-made training and tools as well as interactive workshops to empower your innovation goals. Contact us at www.firstloop.se/contact to get started.