How can you use TRAPIT to identify obstacles when implementing solutions?

1 What is TRAPIT?

TRAPIT stands for Target, Resources, Assumptions, Problems, Implications, and Test. It is a framework that helps you evaluate your solution and find possible gaps, risks, or issues that might hinder its success. By asking yourself a series of questions based on these six elements, you can uncover potential obstacles and plan how to address them.

2 How to use TRAPIT?

To use TRAPIT, you need to have a clear idea of your solution and how it fits your goal. You can then apply the six elements of TRAPIT to your solution and answer the corresponding questions. For example, when considering the target element, ask questions such as: what is the desired outcome of your solution? How will you measure its effectiveness? Who will benefit from it? Resources require questions such as: what resources do you need to implement your solution? Do you have enough time, money, people, materials, and information? How will you obtain and manage them? Assumptions should be tested to validate their validity. Problems may arise during implementation, so it's important to consider how likely they are to occur and how severe they are. Implications should also be considered with regards to how it will affect other people, processes or systems, as well as its alignment with values and ethics. Finally, test your solution before implementing it by evaluating its performance against criteria and collecting feedback for analysis.

3 Why use TRAPIT?

TRAPIT can help you identify obstacles when implementing solutions by encouraging you to think critically and creatively about your solution and its feasibility, anticipate and mitigate potential risks or difficulties, improve your solution by finding gaps or weaknesses, communicate your solution clearly and convincingly to others, and learn from your experience and refine your solution as needed. This can help you increase your confidence and competence in creative problem solving, as well as avoid wasting time, money, or effort on ineffective or problematic solutions.

4 When to use TRAPIT?

You can use TRAPIT at any stage of your creative problem solving process, but it is especially useful after you have generated and selected a solution. By applying TRAPIT to your solution, you can ensure that it is realistic, relevant, and robust. You can also use TRAPIT as a checklist or a guide when you are preparing to implement your solution.

5 How to improve TRAPIT?

TRAPIT is not a fixed or rigid tool. You can adapt it to your specific context and needs. You can modify the questions, add or remove elements, or use different formats or tools to apply it. For example, you can use diagrams, charts, mind maps, or tables to organize your TRAPIT analysis. You can also use TRAPIT collaboratively with others, such as your team members, stakeholders, or mentors. By involving others, you can gain different perspectives, insights, and feedback on your solution.

6 How to practice TRAPIT?

The best way to practice TRAPIT is to use it regularly and consistently for your creative problem solving projects. You can also practice TRAPIT by applying it to existing solutions or case studies. For example, you can analyze how a successful or unsuccessful solution was implemented using TRAPIT and identify the obstacles and opportunities that were involved. By practicing TRAPIT, you can develop your analytical and creative thinking skills and improve your ability to implement solutions effectively.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?