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Problem Framing

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0. Start with a Problem

Look for problems that are relevant to the needs referenced in this article:
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www.ang.af.mil
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1. Definitions

Beneficiary: The person who benefits when we solve their problem.
Problem: A situation or condition that someone is willing to pay to change.
Constraints: Boundary conditions that a proposed solution must accommodate.

2. Problem Attributes

person + pain = problem
State the problem
[person(s)] struggles with [pain] as evident from [list evidence]
Examples:
When Phil tried jogging with his toddler in stroller, the kid almost fell out when the front wheels got caught in street ruts.
Buckle clasps on soldiers’ bullet proof vests break often judging by the use of ties on vests.
Pre-mature newborns’ mortality rates are significantly higher in developing countries according to a WHO report.

3. Investigate the Problem

Start with an
Empathy Map
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and your assumptions.
Interview target beneficiaries. Peel the onion. How?
Identify their constraints.
Synthesize their pains and gains. Evidence?
Why hasn’t this problem been solved already?
Capture the story of the problem. Write it up.

If you think you know the problem already, read these articles:

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Are You Trying to Solve the Wrong Problem? by Peter Bregman
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Companies Are Brilliantly Solving the Wrong Problems by Jasper Kroese
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Submit a Challenge Problem
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Problem Paper Guide and Prompts v2.pdf
117.8 kB
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0. Start with a Problem
1. Definitions
2. Problem Attributes
3. Investigate the Problem
If you think you know the problem already, read these articles:
Submit a Challenge Problem
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