“Einstein is quoted as having said that if he had one hour to save the world he would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem and only five minutes finding the solution.”

In the beginning of our MP journey we discussed the importance of fully understanding the problem at hand. With that we were tasked with evaluating the problem for our projects by using the idea of a problem statement summary. This tool helped guide us to clearly define the problem. I have found this tool a great resource, but always look to find even more resources to help in this department, as it is so important.

There are many times I still find it challenging to spend a lot of time on the problem at hand. It is so tempting to just dive right into a solution. Although I may know how important it is to analyze, develop, and clearly understand the problem, it is easy to jump ahead without even realizing it.

This article explains that being able to clearly define a problem is something that can be learned and developed over time.  It also explains that you may need to use a multitude of strategies or tools to help you get there.

Below are 10 strategies that you can use to help define a problem (see full article for an in depth description)

1) Rephrase the problem

2) Expose and Challenge assumptions

3) Chunk Up

4) Chunk Down

5) Find Multiple Perspectives

6) Use Effective Language Constructs

7) Make it Engaging

8) Reverse the Problem

9) Gather Facts

10) Problem-Solve your Problem Statement

Please be sure to take a look at the full article to give you a deeper understanding of the strategies listed.
https://litemind.com/problem-definition/