Problem Analysis
To understand the problem deeply.
- Steps
- 5
- Last edited
- Mar 3, 2021
- Created by
- Nova
About this process
Breaking the problem or challenge down into pieces to properly understand the challenge. Understanding the problem deeply is critical to your success. This tool should be used to properly understand and describe the challenge or problem. This tool is a very quick to use and is key to get your team on the right path towards a solution.
The process in detail
5 steps- 1
Define the challenge
- 2
Phrase it as a question
- 3
Deconstruction of the challenge/problem
- 4
Draw it if you can (Optional)
- 5
Define the challenge again
Read the full text
1. Define the challenge
This is how you currently define the challenge. Try to define the challenge with a short sentence and in a positive way. Be careful when defining a problem, avoid using the solution you assume it will take to solve it, this tends to limit the ideation process by narrowing the team's perspective. Example: Imagine that a ball is stuck high up in the branch of a tree. You don’t have a ladder. Is your problem that you don’t have a ladder? I don’t have ladder --> I need to get a ladder. If you start from this perspective you'll likely create a question and start ideating with that perspective in mind only leading your team to questions like: How can I get a ladder? I can buy it, I can ask the neighbor, I can rent it, etc In this case, you are limiting your ideation process and is not helping to truly better define the problem itself. Sometimes teams narrow down the challenge or define a challenge that is too uncertain or big of a challenge and end up reducing the ability of the team to explore creative solutions. A better way to define your problem that may result in more potential solutions: I need to move the ball from point A to point B --> How can I get the ball from point A to B? The ideal challenge definition will be: How can I move the ball from point A to point B? Your turn!
https://nova-labs-1.s3.amazonaws.com/pub/GcWrqBBgZuZmnYyXT4dfzDw-Tree-problem-definition.png
2. Phrase it as a question
Phrase the challenge/problem as a question, if it is not already phrased as a question. How can I move the ball from point A to point B? This will become the question that everyone needs to answer.
3. Deconstruction of the challenge/problem
Break down the challenge into components. Eg. The ball is 4 meters high --> It's held by some branches so it will require some strength to get it out --> How can I reach the ball that is 4 meters high if I am 1.80m tall? --> There is 2.2m between the ball and I. --> etc
4. Draw it if you can (Optional)
And share the image you've created.
5. Define the challenge again
Sometimes after exploring the challenge and the solutions you and your team see the challenge from a different perspective. Take a second to define the challenge again based on your new perspectives - choosing a question that seems to be more crucial now to figuring out the best solution. This new question is ultimately a better definition of your problem.