I want to clarify my priorities by focusing on key critical issues.

Problem Definition

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INSPIRED BY : Julier J., Kimbell L. (2012) Problem Definition. p30. In: The Social Design Methods Menu.

Level of Involvement

Fairly simple, self administered tool, needs relatively less time.

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This tool is also available as an online module through DIY Learn, our learning programme in innovation. Access the module here or find out more about DIY Learn.

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4

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What is it & why should I do it?

 

Defining a problem is a deceptively simple task – what at first seems to be the problem is often merely a symptom of a deeper problem. The Problem Definition tool works to both open a problem up – presenting it in a way that can be examined from a number of angles – as well as helping to define the wider context and associated issues involved.

 

This is particularly effective when trying to focus a team of people on the key problems at hand. This tool has been designed to structure the analysis of a particular problem in a way that makes good use of your time. It introduces a small set of key criteria by which an issue can be articulated and assessed, which makes the activity highly efficient. It also gives you a standardised way to compare several different problems which might seem to be very different on the surface.

How do I use it?

Problem Definitionb

Go through the Problem Definition worksheet individually or in small teams and reflect on a specific issue you have identified, exchanging thoughts while writing down your notes.  The key aim here is to capture, compare and discuss different viewpoints on the problem. You can then review the notes and discuss with your team members whether you are making the same assumptions, and whether you are framing things in the same way.

 

This exercise may lead you to ‘reframe’ the problem you initially addressed – for example, what happens if you see older people as having capacities, rather than needs?  Reframing problems in such a way can offer clues to how the solution can take shape.

 

Working on a Problem Definition worksheet with not only your team members, but together with other stakeholders will usually bring up new contexts. For instance, working with service users, staff or volunteers may provide a slightly different angle to the tool than when working with managers or entrepreneurs. Feel free to experiment and rephrase questions in the worksheet to keep them relevant in such situations.

 

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Latest User Experience

  1. Steven Asei-Dantoni

    Unicef

    User Rating: 4

    Hi, I used the problem definition tool in the creation of a social business in Nicaragua during my work on the field as a social innovation assistant manager. I worked with a group of kids between 18 and 24. In the city of Bilwi we are facing very complex problems. I decided to use this tool when looking into how could we go from creating activities to actually find ways to create a sustainable solution. It is documented as a case study on http://www.sadantoni.com/identifying-opportunities/ , Unicef wrote an article about the project here http://en.unicef.org.ni/prensa/123/ . Have a good day! Steven Asei Dantoni @sadantoni

    Reply

  2. Lok Meas

    TPO Cambodia

    User Rating: 4

    Very good lesson!

    Reply

  3. Dr Raghavan Vasudevan

    Coodu Trust, India

    User Rating: 5

    Problem Definition is a self evaluating tool for any organization. we need to critically examine the Vision, Mission, Aims and Objectives of the organization, Core values and thrust areas of work. it is really very difficult to evaluate / use the tool unless otherwise you understand the organization in depth. other issue is that you need to have the liberty to express your true views. ultimately brings value to the non profits if you do it judiciously. congrats to Global Giving for giving this opportunity.

    Reply

  4. Aylin

    National network for children

    User Rating: 4

    The problem definition tool was a very useful exercise. Perhaps the most useful thing in it is to look at a problem in different angles, so it seems more ways to solve it.

    Reply