Challenge assumptions and the paradigm shift in science

Reut Bar Kana

4 min read

In order to be innovative, it’s crucial to question the data we own . In this article I’ll walk you through a scientific innovation process, as well as the challenge assumption techniques from design thinking.

Link to the article published on Bootcamp Medium

Design thinking, in general, is an iterative process consisting of a collection of methods in a non linear process for researching and providing new ideas and solutions. Challenging conventional assumptions is one of many methods in design thinking, the main aim being to question the existing data and paradigms. The context of a product or service probably will always keep changing, culture-wise, users-wise, technology-wise, etc. In order to adjust the product to make it fit to a current or future context, we should doubt and question. Perhaps all the time.

Thomas Khun, an historian and philosopher, published his book about “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions“ in the year of 1962. According to his perspective, proper science is all about research that is based on existing achievements within a defined time frame, where a scientific community acknowledges them as their pillars for working. Khun established the term “paradigm”, as a knowledge frame, a consensus for the scientists to work in between. In that case, the scientific work: experiments, observations and research — are all based on the basic theories acknowledged. The scientific work is basically looking forward to getting better and being more accurate, though in the same boundaries.

Wikipedia, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Although that might sound like an imitation, as well as without any breakthrough down the road, Khun presents the process he named “paradigm shifts” — as the process where the magic happens. According to Khun, science can go forward and change, mostly when a scientific community is dealing with a crisis, perhaps the data collected no longer fits the common opinion and /or the way of nature. The amazing scientific breakthrough arises from this crisis, and naturally leads to a paradigm shift.

The scientists dealing with the crisis, the lack of information, are going for an alternative hunt. In fact, scientific innovation comes after the discovery through which phenomena can be explained more properly. The scientists can no longer hold the current paradigm and they face a new era with a new set of rules, not necessarily a better one, rather than a more updated and fit one. The importance of these kinds of crises is by providing an opportunity for an update, a new set of tools, a significant change.

National cancer Institue, unaplsh.com

After reviewing this perspective, we can look at the assumptions we hold in our design processes in a whole different way. As designers, product managers or researchers, we tend to lean on assumptions we make based on verified data, and results we analyzed and synthesized. The main controversy with these assumptions is their expiration date, they can change over time, and we need to keep our eyes open and stay on guard.

While working on a product or a service, challenging and questioning the data we have today — is crucial. In fact, innovative technologies mostly arise from a new perspective, a new way of thinking, coming up with new ways of doing things that were never considered before. For example, the way Apple looked at the personal cellular phone — and actually started a revolution. Although it wasn’t so long ago, it’s hard to believe we used to not all own smartphones.

Steve Jobs announces the first iPhone, 2007, David Paul Morris/Getty Images Business insider

So, how can I challenge my assumptions?

First of all, make a list of the relevant assumptions for your specific project. You don’t necessarily need all your data, stay focused on the topic you’re working on.
Try to be as organized as possible and divide your assumptions into categories.
Prepare a set of questions you will ask on each assumption. For example: What shouldn’t I take for granted? What could have possibly changed since I got this information? What would be the relevance of this information two years from now? What can I remove or add to it?What other points of view can I look from?
Separate your assumptions and try to apply as many questions as you can. At this point you can share your teammates and colleagues to get their opinions and points of view as well.
Go back to your database and see what you can possibly add, change or even check again.

The Take away

The world is changing, sometimes faster than we can observe. It’s hard to stay relevant and keep up with new technologies and trends. As Khun wrote 60 years ago, after a crisis, when the common opinion doesn’t fit anymore — innovation begins. Challenging your current assumptions and existing data is a promising way to get new ideas that overcomes the most up to date professional stage you’re in. Well, there is no end to this process! In order to stay relevant and innovative, this should be done every few months.