How do you clearly define problems before creating solutions?

1 Identify the problem

Identifying the problem you are facing is the first step in the process. To do this, you need to understand the current situation, the desired situation, and the gap between them. To help you understand the issue or challenge, consider questions such as: what are the symptoms or consequences of the problem? What are the goals or outcomes you want to achieve? What are the constraints or limitations you have to consider? Brainstorming, mind mapping, and SWOT analysis can also be useful tools for generating and organizing your thoughts. Ultimately, you want to create a clear and concise statement of the problem that captures its main aspects.

3 Restate the problem

The third step is to restate the problem you have analyzed. This involves reframing the issue in a way that presents new possibilities and perspectives for solving it. You can ask questions such as: how can you express the problem in a different way? What are some alternative or creative ways to describe the problem? How can you focus on the positive aspects of the problem? What opportunities or benefits does the problem present? You can also challenge the assumptions or constraints of the problem by asking questions or developing scenarios that expand or change its scope. To generate and evaluate different problem statements, you can use tools such as the SCAMPER technique, the How Might We method, or the Problem Reversal technique. The goal is to create a flexible and inspiring statement of the problem that encourages creative solutions.

4 Validate the problem

The fourth step is to validate the problem you have restated. This means testing and refining the problem statement to ensure it is relevant, clear, and actionable. To do this, ask yourself questions such as: Is the problem statement based on facts and evidence? How can you verify or measure the problem? Is the problem statement specific and concise? How can you eliminate or simplify any vague or complex terms or phrases? Is the problem statement aligned with your goals and constraints? How can you adjust or prioritize the problem statement to fit your context and resources? You may also use tools like the SMART criteria, the Problem Definition Checklist, or the Feedback Loop to review and improve your problem statement. The goal is to arrive at a final, validated statement of the problem that guides your creative problem solving process.

5 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?