Problem analysis

Why

Before solving a problem, it is important to understand it. Moreover, problem analysis ensures that you are not solving the wrong problem.

How

An important aspect of problem analysis is asking questions, such as who, what, why, when, where and how. ‘Why’ is an especially important question for understanding the problem. It can be asked multiple times. Once the problem is clear, you can collect additional information about the problem. Is it a new problem? Are there existing solutions?

Practice

A lot of projects start with an initial idea about a problem and solution. Problem analysis ensures that you do not waste time solving the wrong problem.

Ingredients

• Domain experts and the problem owner.
• Knowledge about what questions to ask.
• A willingness to get to the core of the problem (i.e. the problem behind the problem) by asking lots of questions and making assumptions explicit.

Phases

• Problem definition

Trade-offs

Read more about the trade-offs: Inspiration or Data / Expertise or Fit / Overview or Certainty.