The most important step, that’s often overlooked

Each project possesses it’s distinctiveness and individuality. Each comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. My approach always begins with gaining a profound comprehension of the current state of the products, personas, and how existing pain points impact each role or process. I stay committed to the problem until I can empathize and truly understand the perspective of the personas involved.

It’s widely recognized that the majority of business failures stem from creating a product that doesn’t address a genuine need. In business, the crucial aspect isn’t merely solving any problem, but rather pinpointing the right one. Crafting the appropriate solution for the correct problem your users face is the key.

This is where problem framing comes into play. Just as a doctor’s misdiagnosis can prove fatal for a patient, incorrectly identifying user problems can have dire consequences for your business. Problem framing is the initial step in the design thinking principle, a process of exploration and definition crucial for success. Skipping this step is perilous, as even Einstein emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding a problem before attempting to solve it.

Problem framing isn’t about solving problems; it’s about challenging assumptions and considering various perspectives to accurately define the problem. A problem statement is often the outcome of problem framing, summarizing the current state, the ideal state, and the gap between them.

Finding a worthwhile problem: Problem framing helps ascertain whether a problem truly exists and if solving it is beneficial for your business. It prompts crucial discussions early on, preventing wasteful efforts down the wrong path.

Aligning perspectives: Different individuals may perceive and approach a problem differently. Problem framing ensures everyone involved understands the problem in the same light, fostering collaboration towards a solution.

Avoiding waste: Investing resources into solving the wrong problem can be disastrous. Problem framing ensures that efforts are focused on solving pertinent issues for long-term success.

How do you frame a problem?

Begin with thorough research and data collection. Various problem framing techniques can be employed, such as:

The 5W Problem Framing Canvas: Consider the Who, What, Why, Where, and When of the problem.

Diverge and Converge Brainstorming: Allow stakeholders to define the problem individually, then converge on the best definition or craft a statement collaboratively.

Empathy Mapping: Put yourself in the shoes of the user to better understand their thoughts, feelings, actions, and expressions related to the problem.

Avoid extremes: Ensure the problem statement isn’t too broad or narrow to facilitate effective problem-solving.

Explore different settings: Consider the problem in various contexts to gain deeper insights and uncover potential solutions.

Start early and involve everyone: Problem framing should be done early in the process and involve relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the problem.