An exploration into identifying assumption–making: pilot study and early insights

Assumption-making is a critical cognitive process in design, where incomplete information is ever-present. Understanding how assumptions are formed, maintained, and adapted can offer key insights into decision-making. While theoretical explorations of assumptions exist, empirical research remains limited. This pilot study investigates how varying temporal constraints influence assumption-making while solving ill-structured problems. The challenge lies in isolating the temporal and cognitive factors at play. The early insights reveal that task ambiguity, contextual framing, and time constraints play significant roles in shaping responses, highlighting the dual nature of assumption-making as both adaptable and resistant to change. The insights highlight the importance of strategic task design that balances ambiguity and structure to deepen our understanding of assumption-making.