Why do we assume? Is it because we don’t have all the information, or is it that we are too close-minded to empathise with other situations.

I feel we become “cold” and are less able to relate to others when we make assumptions.

The brain wants to be as efficient as possible. It is highly receptive to patterns, creating mental models (1). Many assumptions are built from learned behaviour, from the cultural and family influences and our families creating an inherent bias (1). This inadvertently impedes one’s ability to think creatively; we project our learnt “mental models” without realising it. (3)

In class, we were tasked to plot a design of a house with a garage, a terrace, a sun house and a pond, anyway we like, within a rectangle, in 2 mins.

After reflection, some of my assumptions were:
-The clients/residents were reasonably wealthy in suburbia or the country.
-They were of able body and with good sight.
-The solar aspect was reasonably south facing.
-The topography was sympathetic to my design.
-It was a typical design based on design presidents.

I am deemed as a thinker, maybe even an over-thinker. I try to ensure I cover as many bases as possible. Sometimes, when there is a time constraint, I go into “crisis” mode, and I then lose the ability to explore other possibilities.

As I have identified this, I should be able to adapt my quick thinking to be more open and less assumptive.

1. Assumptions – Why They Are Wrecking Your Mood and How To Stop Making Them – Harley Therapy™ Blog)
2. The Problem with Making Assumptions – Marcia Sirota (marciasirotamd.com)
3. Research Reveals Why Humans Often Make Wrong Assumptions (powerofpositivity.com)