From Problem to Product: How Business Leaders Can Use Problem Framing to Drive Innovation

It’s likely you’ve been overwhelmed by a number of innovative ideas, and sometimes when there are too many options, it can be difficult to know which direction to take. In the fast-paced world of business, developing successful products and innovating can be paramount to remaining competitive. But how does one determine which direction to take when developing new technologies and innovations? Enter the problem framing process, a methodology that has seen much success as an innovation technique. It helps identify the value of a problem idea and through a process of prioritization determines the correct direction to move toward. The problem framing process helps you identify the key problem that needs to be solved, and focusing on that problem for maximum impact.

What is problem framing? The primary goal of this process is to unify a team around a single direction and focus on the primary problem. The method of problem framing facilitates effective problem-solving by identifying the problems in a collaborative and easily understandable format and then using a process of prioritization to select the problem that will lead to better outcomes when solved.

Promoting Growth and Development

Successful innovation requires specific techniques in order to be fruitful. The problem framing methodology is carefully designed to use a process of prioritization in order to find the critical problem that needs solving. Problem framing challenges professionals to thoroughly examine each problem within their company and work to narrow them down in order to find a starting point for a solution that aligns with their overarching goals. By using this methodology, Go Studio has helped multiple companies achieve their objectives and find the right direction for optimized growth and development.

Framing Problem Statements

At the heart of problem framing lies the crucial step of framing the problem statement. A well-crafted problem statement provides context and relevance, making it easier for team members to understand and begin the process of ideation. When faced with complex business problems, traditional solutions may not suffice. In these cases, reframing the problem is often necessary to achieve a breakthrough. That’s where problem framing comes in. By helping teams rethink the problem and approach it from a new angle, problem framing opens up new possibilities and generates fresh insights.

The Problem Statement Process

Crafting an effective problem statement is not always straightforward, and the approach can vary depending on factors such as the problem’s scope and complexity. To create a strong problem statement, it is essential to focus on the issue’s root cause and objectively describe it in a comprehensive way.

The five Ws approach is a valuable strategy for asking the right questions and narrowing down problems:

1. Who is affected by the problem? This could be individuals, groups, or entire organizations.
2. What is the problem? Identify the gap between the current state and the desired state, and describe the unmet need that exists.
3. Where does this problem occur? This could be a geographic location, a physical object, an entity, or even a process.
4. When does this problem occur? Determine if there is a specific timeframe or deadline by which the issue needs to be resolved.
5. Why is the problem worth solving? Consider the impact on customers, employees, and stakeholders, and determine what makes a solution worthwhile.

When you clearly define the impact of the problem and the benefits of finding a solution, a good problem statement can inspire action and motivate teams to pursue innovative solutions.

Problem Framing: Solve the RIGHT Problem

Instead of focusing on finding the real problem, problem framing works to find the better problem to solve. Business leaders can use this framework and process of prioritization to find an innovative solution to a complex challenge or problem. The Go Studio workshops help business leaders better understand this process and use tried and proven techniques to achieve better innovation results. A guided workshop focused on different innovation techniques like building an idea pipeline, problem framing, and reframing can help you achieve the following results:

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem and its underlying causes.
2. Determine the needs, objectives, and motivations of those impacted by the problem.
3. Examine previous assumptions and prejudices that could constrain your thought processes.
4. Consider diverse perspectives and viewpoints to uncover new perspectives.
5. Produce a wider range of innovative and imaginative concepts that address the issue’s core.
6. Establish a shared vision and direction among the team and stakeholders.

Key Takeaways:

• How does one determine which direction to take when developing new technologies and innovations?
• The problem framing process helps identify the value of a problem-idea and determines the correct direction to move toward through a process of prioritization.
• The problem framing process helps you identify the key problem that needs to be solved, and focusing on that problem for maximum impact.
• When you clearly define the impact of the problem and the benefits of finding a solution, a good problem statement can inspire action and motivate teams to pursue innovative solutions.
• The Go Studio workshops help business leaders better understand this process and use tried and proven techniques to achieve better innovation results.

Innovate Through Problem Framing and Scale

Today’s business environment is fast-moving and dynamic, so innovation is crucial to remain competitive and defeat corporate or industry obstacles. Our services can assist you in recognizing market opportunities through the problem framing method, and workshops where we collaborate with you to create appropriate innovative strategies. At Go Studio, our team of specialized experts is committed to helping you identify problems that need to be solved, and apply design thinking strategies to generate the best direction and idea to solve the problem. Contact us today to learn more about our services and start your journey toward innovation. Ready to get started? Request an introduction.