How do you prioritize which problems to solve first?

1 Identify the problem

The first step to prioritize problems is to identify them clearly and accurately. You need to understand what the problem is, why it exists, who it affects, and how it impacts your project goals. You can use tools like problem statements, user stories, personas, or customer journey maps to define the problem and its context. You can also gather data and evidence from analytics, user testing, feedback, or research to validate and quantify the problem.

2 Evaluate the problem

The next step is to evaluate the problem and compare it with other problems. You need to assess how urgent, important, complex, and feasible the problem is. You can use frameworks like the Eisenhower matrix, the MoSCoW method, or the RICE score to prioritize problems based on criteria like urgency, importance, value, effort, or risk. You can also use techniques like the Pareto principle, the Kano model, or the impact vs effort matrix to prioritize problems based on their potential impact and effort.

4 Solve the problem

The final step is to solve the problem and deliver value to your users and clients. You need to plan, execute, test, and iterate on your solution. You can use approaches like agile, scrum, or lean to manage your workflow and deliver value incrementally. You can also use principles like design thinking, user-centered design, or atomic design to create and improve your solution. You should also measure and evaluate your solution's performance and impact using metrics, KPIs, or user satisfaction.

5 Learn from the problem

The last but not least step is to learn from the problem and improve your skills and processes. You need to reflect, document, and share your learnings and insights from solving the problem. You can use tools like retrospectives, post-mortems, or case studies to capture and communicate your learnings and actions. You can also use methods like feedback loops, continuous improvement, or growth mindset to apply your learnings and grow as a web designer.

6 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?