01 / THE IDEA
What does it mean?
A design hypothesis predicts that a change will improve an observable outcome for a particular group. It gives experiments a reason to exist and makes learning possible even when a concept fails.
02 / IN PRACTICE
Make it concrete.
Illustrative example: If an online store shows delivery costs before checkout, fewer shoppers will abandon their carts. The team can test this by comparing checkout completion rates.
03 / WHAT TO WATCH FOR
A common mistake.
Calling a design preference a hypothesis without specifying observable outcomes.
04 / WHEN IT HELPS
When should you use it?
Before prototyping or committing engineering resources to an uncertain idea.
05 / FURTHER READING
Explore the source.
Nielsen Norman Group — Design Thinking ↗This is a reference for further learning, not an endorsement or a verbatim quotation.