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Define the task

Concept and option comparison

Compare ways to solve the task, not cosmetic variations.

Fill in the template ↓Download a blank template (.md)
When to use it
When the brief is clear enough to propose alternative approaches and decide what to test.
What you will have
A preferred direction, reasons for choosing it and a test of the most important assumption.
When not to use it
This does not replace audience research, detailed requirements or production approval.
View the worked example

The example is fictional. It demonstrates completion, not the outcome of an actual project.

Task and audience action

Help people choose a walk and open its route description, rather than merely spend longer on the site.

Main idea

Choose a walk by the time available. Stops along the route connect the experience to the brand’s offer.

Alternative approaches

A: three questions followed by a route recommendation. B: three route cards showing duration and distance. B is simpler and needs no separate recommendation logic.

Comparison criteria

Both options require checked route descriptions. The benefit of a questionnaire is not established. Specialists still need to estimate production.

What to test before production

Check whether intended users can choose a route from cards. If information is missing, improve the cards before developing a questionnaire.

Decision and open questions

Test option B first. This is a recommendation, not approval to build. The client confirms the decision and budget.

Download example (.md)

Fill in the template

If an answer is unknown, say so. You do not need to complete every field before a first conversation.

What is the task and what user action could support it?

Explain the idea in plain language. Why would someone participate and how is the brand relevant?

For each option: user scenario, motivation, content, production work and constraints. Include a simpler option.

Compare user value, business fit, supporting evidence, cost, time and dependencies. Do not turn unknowns into precise scores.

Which assumption is riskiest? How will you test it and what decision will the result support?

Which direction was chosen, by whom, why and what still needs checking?

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Sources and adaptation

Adapted from 18F’s Design hypothesis and Design studio methods and Keiss Media’s earlier worksheet. Workshop instructions were removed; production constraints and decision records were added.

Version 1.0 · 15 October 2026