Problem definition
A problem definition is a great starting point for aligning a team around a project or initiative. This activity gives team members an understanding of the core problem to solve, without being blinded by a shiny end-goal or pre-defined solution. Creating a problem definition at the beginning of the discovery process is a good way to kick off a successful project.
To construct a problem definition, focus on who the problem affects, how it does so, and why it’s important to solve the problem. To gather the relevant information, this play uses a technique called the "5 W's", which involves answering the questions below.
- What is the problem?
- Who is affected by the problem?
- Where does this problem occur?
- When does the problem occur?
- Why does the problem occur? Why is the problem important?
During your project, you can return to your problem statement and add to it or refine it, when more insights are uncovered. It’s like an iterative north star for your project! It will help guide and align your team and stakeholders throughout the project journey.
Outcomes
- A focussed, confident, and aligned team.
- A clearly communicable project challenge that can be used to explain the project to stakeholders.
- A set of assumptions that can be proven / disproven during research activities.
What you need
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Instructions
Resources
See below for a collection of templates and other pages which will help you run this play. These resources are also linked in the play instructions.
