Useful things to remember
Index
Describe your scope
- Describe your scope
- Dig a bit deeper
- Start a new project A3 form
- Come up with the first version of the problem statement
Do you want to add a new practice?
Suggest a practice01
Describe your scope
Who, what, where, when, how and how much. These are the questions you will be asked during your first brainstorming. This frame of reference will help you to define the scope of the initiative you are promoting and to be specific about what is and is not included.
Tip: Visuals could help
Visual maps, diagrams and schematics can help you clarify what you have in mind and describe it better to others. To learn more about using drawings and visualisations to support innovation, check out this book: Draw to Win, a crash course in how to lead, sell and innovate with the visual mind – Dan Roam
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02
Dig a bit deeper
Observing, interviewing, analysing data, empathising and analogising: these are the approaches you will follow. Start by gathering information to refine your understanding of the problem or opportunity you are facing. You can organise few short interviews with stakeholders to analyse the perspectives of all the roles involved, their needs, expectations and frustrations, in a short time. Data you already have can be helpful to define the context and the problem.
Reference: IDEO design kit
IDEO Design Kit https://www.designkit.org/methods#filter is a very useful resource for learning more about how to explore a problem area, identify with all the roles involved, and gain insights that can lead to interesting ideas and solutions. For some techniques to help you better understand and frame your problem, see the methods in the Inspiration chapter.
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03
Start a new project A3 form
The A3 form is the only mandatory project tool and you will update it thorughtout the whole project. As you have a clearer idea of what's your initial hypothesis it's time to add some structure and collect other elements. Don't worry if you don't know how to fill all the information right now, it's normal! On the left side of the form you can collect all the information on the current situation while on the right part of the form you will add the information of the solution you are designing. Let's start from the left side only for now :) Here the link to the blank template.
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04
Come up with the first version of the problem statement
Start by writing your problem statement in the A3 sheet as a sentence that sums up the essence of the problem you want to solve after you have done your initial research. Make sure you've got these 5 key elements of a good problem statement:
- Makes a reference to something that the organisation cares about, and links that element to a clear and specific goal or objective.
- Contains a clear articulation of the gap between the current state of affairs and the goal (be sure to identify your goal)
- Mention of key variables: the goal, the current state and the gap are appropriately quantified (e.g. dollars, numbers, time, etc.)
- Be as neutral as possible about possible diagnoses or remedies
- Small-sized for rapid implementation (within 3 months).
(ref. N.P. Repenning)
Example: how to write a problem statement
“In order to raise awareness and encourage engagement, videos are an essential tool for communicating with the public. At Médecins Sans Frontières Italy, they are published after an average of 4 drafts. 4 hours of work are needed for each revision. In addition, each revision means that the publication is postponed. If the video is about an emergency, each revision reduces the value of the communication, as delays in the publication of emergency videos significantly reduce the number of views. Producing the video at the very second of reworking reduces inefficiency and increases effectiveness”. – Maria Carla Giuliano
It should be noted that the formulation of this question was the result of a research phase that was about 8 weeks of work on the part of Maria Carla. Considering this, it is an excellent example to follow:
– 79 words.
– The reason why videos are important is stated (to make the public aware and involved).
– The current state and the goal are stated. The key variable is quantifiable (from 4 drafts to 2).
– The problem statement has no solution in mind.
– It is specific enough that it can be dealt with in a short period of time.
Tip: Don't get discouraged!
Drafting a problem statement might take long time and multiple iterations, so don’t worry if you need to iterate this sentence multiple time. The problem stament will be your reference point throughtout the whole project and you can update it multiple time.
Reference: the importance of problem framing
The Most Underrated Skill in Management Nelson P. Repenning, Don Kieffer, and Todd Astor
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