Purpose: Name every assumption embedded in the design across four categories. For a T3 program, aim for 15–25 assumptions. Fewer than 10 means excavation is not complete — the most dangerous assumptions are the ones that feel like facts.
Excavation question: "What would have to be true for this design to work?" Apply it to every major design decision across all four categories. An assumption you cannot state cannot be tested.
Session Header
Four categories to excavate:Learner (prior knowledge, motivation, time availability, manager support) | Organizational (manager reinforcement, readiness, role stability, leadership support) | Measurement (data availability, observation feasibility, causal pathway) | Design (transfer, scalability, facilitator quality, model accuracy)
Assumption Register Target: 15–25 entries for T3; 8–12 for T2