How Reversing You Assumptions Leads to Better Problem Solving

When designing solutions for complex problems, it’s easy to get caught up in traditional ways of thinking and play it safe. But what if flipping the script on your assumptions could lead you to new and unexplored territories? 🤔 

About a year ago, as part of a hiring process, I was asked to design a solution to enhance parent-child engagement in Kenya. I used the Assumption/Reversal technique to develop a few solutions, which I’ll share in today’s note.

I’ve used this approach on small projects, national campaigns, workshop facilitation, and more. It always gets the ball rolling for everyone involved and serves as a solid counter to creative block.

Let’s dive in.

What is Assumption Reversal?

Assumption reversal is a technique in which—you guessed it—you reverse your basic assumptions regarding a topic so you can look at it from a different perspective. It’s such a simple concept, and that’s why it’s genius!

Here is a quick example:

• Assumption: “Low-income parents don’t have time to engage with their children due to a lack of resources.”

• Reversal: “Low-income parents do have time to engage with their children during routine moments such as breakfast, commute, or while at work.”

This reversal pushes you to think about how you can create tools that fit into the small moments of connection throughout the day rather than requiring large blocks of time.

Applying Assumption Reversals to TOTO Tools

Step 1: Identify and Reverse your Core Assumptions

The first thing I did after wrapping my head around the brief and doing additional research was build a three-column table with the following:

1. Assumptions in the first column,

2. Reversals in the second, and

3. Insight or potential solution in the 3rd.

During Step 1, I mainly focused on filling up my assumptions in column one, and once I was done, I moved to the reversals in column two.

Step 2: Explore the Implications

When done with the reversals, patterns emerged that made it clear that the solution I needed to come up with had to:

• Be easy to use and adaptable to short moments of connection.

• Be intuitive and engaging to encourage frequent use.

• Take into consideration the patriarchal nature of the culture.

• Help redefine parents’ roles in education and promote family equity.

• Fit into family routines like games and gatherings.

• Work across multiple mediums.

• Strengthen family bonds.

• Be free, sponsored, or low-cost for accessibility.

• Prioritize children’s engagement to reduce parents’ burden.

These findings led me to a set of complementary educational tools rather than a single one. It’s the birth of TOTO TOOLS—”toto” being the Swahili word for child—an initiative that focuses on nurturing children's development with child-centric educational tools that empower parents, even with limited time and resources.

Step 3: Develop Potential Solutions

With the insight gathered from Step 2, I came up with three potential solutions that align with my findings and which would have a learning curve close to zero:

1. TOTO Deck of Cards: A card game designed to spark conversations between parents and children, covering themes like well-being and emotional management.
   

2. TOTO Course via SMS: A free, guided course delivered through SMS, offering daily prompts and lessons to improve engagement and readiness skills.
   

3. TOTO Radio: A radio program that shares information and fosters community engagement through audio content, offering a platform for shared learning experiences.
   

I developed several taglines and slogans to express the brand message and landed on ’TOTO Tools — Learning Begins at Home.’ ❤️ 

Beyond the Brief

In a real-world scenario, developing solutions using assumption reversals involves collaboration with subject matter experts, communication specialists, and strategists. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that solutions are:

• Grounded in data and research.

• Practical and effective.

• Culturally relevant to your audience.

Experts provide insights into cultural nuances, educational needs, and technological accessibility while strategists align solutions with broader community goals. This collaboration is crucial for creating tools that resonate with the target audience and address their unique challenges.

Once the groundwork is laid, next steps might include:

1. Prototyping and Testing: Create sample versions of tools, such as a card deck or SMS course, and implement them in real-world settings. Gather feedback to refine solutions and better meet user needs.
   

2. Implementation and Scaling: Focus on building partnerships with local organizations, engaging the community through events, and securing funding for widespread adoption. Continuous monitoring and evaluation ensure the tools remain effective and impactful, ultimately enhancing parent-child engagement in the community.

The Wrap-Up

Assumption reversal is an incredibly effective tool. I consistently incorporate it at the beginning of my projects during the brainstorming phase, particularly when collaborating with multiple stakeholders.

The process naturally aligns your team—regardless of hierarchy—as everyone shares their assumptions, biases, and perspectives. I’m unsure if it’s the vulnerability required or the open dialogue that results from it, but it works every time.

The best part about this? It’s flexible. It can be used in a variety of situations to spark new ideas, move beyond typical thinking, and find fresh solutions to problems.

I'll be sure to catch you in the next Note.

Mo. ✌️ ❤️