Module - 6 Step to Define Problem
2026-09-22 13:57
Tags: #desgin
Author: Duke Hsu
Topic
- Define
- Analyze & Synthesize
- Good Problem Statement
- Tools & Techniques
1. Define
DEFINE is where we turn research insights into a focused problem frame.
1.1 What Does Define Mean
- Focus
- clear problem space
- observations
- Meaning
- find underlying needs
- not only surface complaints
- Frame
- create a problem frame that guides later ideation
- Share
- build a shared understanding the whole team can use
2. Analysis & Synthesis
2.1 Analysis
- Break information into parts
- sort, label, and categorize notes.
- identify patterns and themes.
2.2 Synthesis
- Combine parts into new meaning
- Form insights and opportunities
- Prepare for a clear problem frame
3. Good Problem Statement
Research
3.1 Characteristics of a Good Problem Statement
- Human-centered - Focuses on people and their needs, not on a technology or solution
- Broad enough - Leaves room for many creative solutions, does not prescribe one answer
- Narrow enough - Specific enough to give the team clear direction and focus
- Actionable - Written so the team can start generating ideas immediately
- Insightful. - Grounded in real research insights, not assumptions or opinions.
- Clear & concise - Easy to understand and share with others in a short statement
3.2 Define Problem Statement Tools
a. Affinity Diagrams
- Saturate and Group notes into themes
Saturate and Group process:
- Put all notes on a wall (Saturate)
- Cluster similar notes together
- Label each cluster with a theme
- Highlight priority themes.
Result
Clear themes from messy data
b. Empathy Mapping
-
Capture what user say, think, do feel
-
Says
- Thinks
- Does
- Feels
Result
Deeper understanding of the user
c. Point of View
- User + Need + Insight statement
Formula:
[User] need [Need] , Because [Insight]
Example
An e-commerce company wants to track package records because it wants to improve its after-sales service.
d. How Might We
- Turn problems into opportunity questions
Question list:
- How might we help the company track its packages more effectively?
- How might we reduce the number of lost packages?
- How might we help the company improve its package tracking process?
e. Why-How Laddering
Move between abstract needs(WHY) and concrete solutions (HOW) to find the right level for your problem
- Move between abstract needs & concrete ideas
WHY - Abstract Need
MID - Problem Focus
HOW - Concrete Ideas
4. Example : From Insights to Problem Statement
Step 1 - Insights
Step 2 - POV
Step 3 - HMW
Step 4 - Result