How to write a Hypothesis

Oscar de la Hera Gomez
A flower that represents Strategy with the text “Write a Hypothesis” beneath it.

To create a hypothesis, research a topic, define your variables and phrase it as an if-then statement.

As part of creating or enhancing a product, service or experience (i.e. a creation) it is recommended that an individual or organization write a clear hypothesis that can be tested and validated.

Without a hypothesis statement, it is difficult to know what a creation is trying to achieve and whether it is successful.

Examples of Hypothesis

  • If running provides mental and physical relief, then a therapist should be able to track significant improvement in individuals by prescribing exercise.
  • By making a webpage render all of its content at load time, I will improve the crawl ability of my website.
  • Given Individuals want to control their viewing experience, a real-time 3D recreation of sports should increase revenue for broadcasters through a premium subscription offering.

How to write a Hypothesis

Please note that if you have already created a product, service or experience you might want to jump to Step Three.

Step One: Pick a Topic

Find an area, topic or territory that you are curious to explore (i.e. pet food, injuries in sports, bicycle repairs).

Step Two: Conduct preliminary research

Dive into your area, topic or territory by carrying out desk research and user research to holistically understand the current paradigm.

Step Three: Identify the Variables

Identify the variables or elements that you want to test.

To demonstrate what we mean by this, here are the variables for the examples listed above:

If running provides mental and physical relief, then a therapist should be able to track significant improvement in individuals by prescribing exercise

Variables: exercise & mental health

By making a webpage render all of its content at load time, I will improve the crawl ability of my website.

Variables: show all content at load time & webpage crawl ability.

Given Individuals want to control their viewing experience, a real-time 3D recreation of sports should increase revenue for broadcasters through a premium subscription offering.

Variables: real-time 3D recreation of sports & increased revenue.

Step Four: Phrase it as an If-Then statement

A good hypothesis suggests that if you change one variable (if), the outcome is affected (then).

Please note that although if-then is recommended, the examples above show how you can write hypothesis in a similar fashion.

Looking to learn how to carry out a hypothesis test?

To learn how to carry out a hypothesis test, consult the link below.

Always remember, the work is never done

A visual that demonstrates a circular iterative process that goes from define, which is symbolized as a document, to clarify, which is symbolized as a geometric alignment, through creation which is symbolized as a nucleus.

delasign's process

When creating hypotheses, it is important to note that they are neither a start nor an end.

They should serve as the center point for what you are trying to achieve and should be refined as you update or expand your product, service or experience.

They are also capable of demonstrating that you should not pursue a feature or a product, service or experience - and that's OK.

Looking to learn more about Research and Strategy?

Search our blog to find educational content on research and strategy.

Any Questions?

We are actively looking for feedback on how to improve this resource. Please send us a note to inquiries@delasign.com with any thoughts or feedback you may have.
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