Document the conditions believed to be true and the fixed limitations that shape the project so teams can plan realistically and reduce risk.
Purpose and Benefits
- Better planning: Work is scoped with known conditions and limits.
- Risk reduction: Validating assumptions early prevents blockers.
- Transparency: Stakeholders share the same expectations.
- Informed decisions: Prioritization happens within constraints.
- Dependency awareness: Highlights reliance on external systems or teams.
Recommended Assumptions & Constraints Template
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Assumption | 1. Users will have smartphones capable of running the latest supported mobile OS versions. 2. Payment gateway APIs will be available and support required transaction types. 3. Internet connectivity will be available for most payment transactions. 4. Users will complete KYC verification before accessing wallet features. 5. Third-party notification services (SMS/Email) will remain operational and reliable. |
| Constraint | 1. System must comply with financial regulations and data protection laws. 2. Project must be delivered within the defined timeline and budget. 3. Backend services must run within the organization’s approved cloud infrastructure. 4. Payment processing must use approved third-party payment gateways. 5. Security standards must follow industry requirements such as encryption and authentication policies. |
Field Explanation
- Category: Assumption (believed to be true) or Constraint (must be followed).
- Description: Clear statement of the condition or limitation and its relevance.