a given product is decisive for the success of the project. That is why the practice of Problem Framing is so important. Do you know what it is?
Although it is fundamental, this concept is often neglected by product teams, who do not understand its potential to ensure focus on what really matters to create the ideal solution .
With that in mind, in this content, we will explore together this approach that can revolutionize the way Product Designers think about a solution, from brainstorming to prototyping.
Discover what Problem Framing is, its importance in digital product design, the main steps involved, and other details on the subject. Enjoy your reading!
What is Problem Framing?
Problem Framing is an English term that can be translated as “problem framing”. It is the process of understanding and clearly defining a problem before starting to look for solutions to solve it .
In the case of digital product design, this approach is part of the why choose our service? Product Discovery strategy. It helps professionals delve deeper into the user's real needs. It is an important step in exploring solutions that are creative and impactful, in order to meet user expectations and product market demands .
The importance of Problem Framing in the innovation process
Problem Framing is important because it enables a clear understanding of the problem that needs to be solved through a solution. When the product team has a clear vision of the user's needs, efforts to meet them are better directed.
A well-structured problem, in addition to assertively guiding product development , also fosters mutual collaboration among team members. As a result, creativity and innovation are activated in the search for a solution that truly adds value to the market.
The Difference Between Problem Framing and Problem Solving
It is quite common to confuse these two concepts, but it is important to understand that they are different things.
While Problem Framing 's main objective is to clearly define the problem to be solved, Problem Solving deals with the application of methods and strategies in the search for effective solutions to it.
One method used in Problem Solving is the 8D methodology . This is a problem-solving technique based on 8 disciplines, or steps, in search of the cause of a problem and the consequent application of corrective action.
Another strategy is DMAIC , an acronym in English for:
Define ;
Measure ;
Analyze ;
Improve and
Control .
It establishes a roadmap for problem-solving by following these five steps.
In short, the main difference between Problem Framing and Problem Solving is that the former focuses on the problem and the latter on the solution. In this way, both integrate the product development process in distinct but fundamental stages.
The main steps of Problem Framing
Now that you know what Problem Framing is and its importance in Product Design, it’s time to find out how it works in practice. Check out the main steps below.
Problem identification
The first step in Problem Framing is to identify the problem that needs to be solved precisely. To do this, the product team must conduct research and collect data to understand the user's needs.
Contextualization of the problem
Once identified, it is time to investigate the context surrounding the problem. Focusing on elements such as the cause of the problem and its consequences, the environment in which it occurs, the user's behavior when faced with it, and the limitations involved, helps the team build an overview of the situation that the solution aims to resolve.
Understanding market demands
This step is crucial to understanding how a potential solution fits in, while also differentiating itself and standing out in the market. Thus, market research helps to further understand the gaps that prevent the user from having their problems solved, in addition to helping the organization understand how the solution aligns with its core business.
Problem refinement
Once a clear and defined problem has been identified, it is important to conduct reviews with the product team and leaders in order to refine it based on the hypotheses raised and information collected. This process ensures that all important aspects are taken into account , in order to increase the chances of success in developing the solution.
Tools and methods for Problem Framing
There are some tools and methods that can be used to boost the Problem Framing process, such as:
brainstorming : consists of stimulating creative thinking in a team in search of diverse ideas and solutions;
storytelling : helps to articulate the problem with hypothetical situations, in order to deepen the contextualization of the problem;
design thinking frameworks : they can guide the entire Problem Framing process by focusing on empathy for the user and their needs and desires;
empathy maps : another tool that helps the team put themselves in the user's shoes and understand their pain points;
5 Why's : this technique allows for a better framing of the problem based on five questions to get to the root of a given problem.