Chapter (4/13) Define: Crystallizing the Problem Statement
Global Performance Management Academy | GPMA
The Future of Performance Management - Ahead of the curve
By: Dr. Mohamed Moustafa Mahmoud (Dr. 3M)
"Welcome to Chapter 4 of the GPMA Publication Series: 'Ultimate Guide to Design Thinking: A Beginner's Introduction.' Stay tuned for the remaining 9 chapters, published daily.
Chapter IV Define: Crystallizing the Problem Statement
The?Define stage?is where you transform the insights gathered during the Empathize stage into a clear, actionable problem statement. This stage is critical because a well-defined problem sets the foundation for innovative solutions. Without a clear problem statement, your efforts risk being scattered or misaligned with user needs.
This chapter will guide you through the process of synthesizing insights, crafting a user-centered problem statement, and using techniques like “How Might We” questions to frame your challenge effectively.
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4.1. From Insights to Problem Definition
4.2. Crafting a User-Centered Problem Statement (Point of View - POV)
4.3. Techniques for Problem Definition (e.g., "How Might We" Questions)
4.1. From Insights to Problem Definition
After conducting user research, you’ll have a wealth of data – but raw data alone isn’t enough. The goal of the Define stage is to synthesize this data into a clear and actionable problem statement.
1.?Organize Your Data:?Group insights into themes or patterns (e.g., common pain points, recurring behaviors).
2. Identify Key Needs:?Focus on the most critical needs that align with your project goals.
3. Reframe the Problem:?Turn observations into actionable problem statements.’
Hint: Don’t rush to solutions – spend time understanding and framing the problem first.
o?? Insight:?Users feel overwhelmed by the number of choices when shopping online.
o?? Problem Statement:?“How might we simplify the online shopping experience to reduce decision fatigue?”
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4.2. Crafting a User-Centered Problem Statement (Point of View - POV)
A well-crafted problem statement, also known as a?Point of View (POV), is user-centered, actionable, and inspiring. It serves as a guiding star for your design process.
o?? User:?Who are you designing for?
o?? Need:?What is their core need or challenge?
o?? Insight:?Why does this need matter? (Based on your research.)
Hint: A good POV is specific enough to guide your work but broad enough to allow for creative solutions.
领英推荐
Airbnb’s POV during their “Travelers need a way to feel at home when they’re away because hotels feel impersonal and expensive.” early days
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4.3. Techniques for Problem Definition (e.g., "How Might We" Questions)
Framing your problem as a?“How Might We” (HMW)?question is a powerful way to inspire creative solutions. HMW questions are optimistic, open-ended, and action-oriented.
o?? Start with your POV.
o?? Use positive language (e.g., “How might we improve…” instead of “How can we fix…”).
o?? Keep it broad enough for creativity but narrow enough to be actionable.
How might we make online shopping more intuitive for first-time users?
How might we help busy parents prepare healthy meals in under 30 minutes?
How might we create a more inclusive workspace for remote employees?
o?? Involve your team to generate diverse perspectives.
o?? Write down as many HMW questions as possible, then refine them.
o?? Use your research insights to ensure the questions are user centered.
?Chapter Summary
The Define stage is about turning empathy insights into a clear, actionable problem statement. By synthesizing your research, crafting a user-centered POV, and framing your challenge as “How Might We” questions, you set the stage for innovative solutions.
Key Takeaways
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In the next chapter, we’ll dive into the?Ideate stage, where you’ll learn techniques for generating creative solutions to your defined problem.
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