Problem Statement
Frame the problem you are trying to solve by summarising the who, what, where/when and why.
What it is
When to use it
How to run it
Run a brainstorming session to explore:
Who experiences the problem?
What is the problem and its symptoms?
Where and when does it occur?
Why does it need to be addressed?
Draw on your brainstorm to develop a statement. Be open to adjusting it as your understanding evolves.
Example 1:
Our new residents (who) seem to find it hard to assimilate to their new environment and spend a large portion of their day on their own (what), either in their rooms or in the common areas (where). This has the potential to lead to social isolation and contribute to the risk of declining mental and physical health. (why).
More from Define
Related tools
Pairs well with these other methods from the define phase.
How Might We?
Reframe problems as open questions to turn challenges into opportunities for design.
Five Whys
Get to the root cause of a problem by iteratively asking Why? five times.
Journey Map
Map the story of your user's experience with your product or service to identify pain points and opportunities.