SR / WORKSHOP STUDIOWorkshop home
Fictional example · practical self-study · no attendee data is collected

A complete workshop / 90 minutes

From assumptions to useful experiments.

Leave with a clear learning question, a practical test and an observable signal for the next decision.

3 objectives6 activities5 practice questions

A mixed product and design team learning to turn an uncertain idea into a small, reviewable test. · 18 participants · 5 groups of at most 4.

Your run of show

00–10 MIN

Notice before interpreting

Use a small observation to separate what happened from what you think it means.

Facilitation steps
  1. Read the fictional studio challenge.
  2. Write one observation and one interpretation separately.
  3. Share the distinction with a partner.

A fictional studio sees first-time visitors pause at a wall of plant choices. What was observed? What explanations are still assumptions?

10–25 MIN

Choose one useful question

Turn a broad wish into one audience-specific uncertainty.

Facilitation steps
  1. Name the visitor and the moment.
  2. List the assumptions affecting the next decision.
  3. Choose one assumption to investigate.
  4. Write a question that a small test could answer.

Write: For [audience] in [situation], we need to learn [uncertainty] before deciding [next action].

25–40 MIN

Make three alternatives visible

Explore options without treating the first sketch as the final answer.

Facilitation steps
  1. Sketch a care card, a welcome sign and a guided question.
  2. Name what each option could reveal.
  3. Choose the simplest option that tests the selected uncertainty.

Describe three possible tests. For each, list the learning value, time needed and one limitation.

40–60 MIN

Build a reversible experiment

Specify the test, source, protocol and boundaries before running it.

Facilitation steps
  1. Name the method and permitted participants or sources.
  2. Write the exact prompt or observation protocol.
  3. Define the smallest useful output.
  4. Name risks, permissions and stopping conditions.

Create a test plan with method, source, protocol, output and stopping conditions. Use fictional participants in this exercise.

60–80 MIN

Agree on the signal before the result

Distinguish support, contradiction and an inconclusive outcome.

Facilitation steps
  1. Name the observable signal.
  2. Write what would support the next step.
  3. Write what would weaken the idea.
  4. Explain when the evidence would be inconclusive.

Complete: We will observe [signal]. If [support], we will [action]. If [contradiction], we will [change]. If [inconclusive], we will [follow-up].

80–90 MIN

Review, revise, leave with a next step

Use the rubric and practice questions to improve the handoff.

Facilitation steps
  1. Trade worksheets and name one observable improvement.
  2. Use the practice questions to revisit a gap.
  3. Revise the plan and download your local worksheet.

What changed after peer review? What is the next question, who owns it and what evidence would change your mind?

Ready. Timer remains local and pauses when this tab is hidden.

Facilitator handoff

A notebook or the local workbook · A shared fictional service challenge · A visible timer · A way to compare alternatives · A facilitator to adapt the discussion

Participant work stays in the current tab until downloaded. Practice answers are visible in the files; this is not a secure assessment or learning certification.