How to define a problem statement in design thinking | Design thinking process

Summary

This script introduces the discovery phase of design thinking, emphasizing the importance of defining a clear problem statement to align a team's goals. It showcases Canva's template for collaborative problem identification in workshops, using sticky notes and comments for real-time idea sharing and discussion. The script also highlights features like expanding to a whiteboard for ample space, grouping ideas, and using stickers for appreciation or voting. It concludes by suggesting reflection on the problem's alignment with personas and looking forward to the next step in the process.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The discovery phase is crucial for defining the problem that needs solving for your audience.
• 🎯 A well-defined problem helps in setting clear goals and understanding when the solution has been achieved.
• 🤝 Team unity is essential in design thinking workshops, where everyone should be focused on the same problem.
• 📝 Framing a problem statement is a key step, which involves creating a concise sentence that identifies the gap between the current and desired state.
• 👥 Problem statements should be user-focused, actionable, and ideally developed collaboratively by the team.
• 🛠 Canva offers a template for identifying problems in a workshop setting, which can be accessed and shared with the team.
• 📌 Sticky notes in Canva can be used to organize thoughts and ideas, with the ability to add comments and questions for further discussion.
• 🖼️ The 'expand to whiteboard' feature in Canva ensures there is ample space for brainstorming and idea development.
• 🔄 Real-time mouse pointers in Canva help team members see each other's contributions and stay aligned during the workshop.
• 🗳️ Utilizing stickers and graphics in Canva can facilitate appreciation and voting sessions to prioritize ideas.
• ⏱️ The timer function in Canva helps manage time effectively during different stages of the workshop, keeping the team focused.
• 🤔 Post-problem identification, it's important to ask questions about the audience's desired outcome, reasons, and barriers to achieve it.
• 📈 The facilitator may need to decide on the most pressing problem to address or split the team to work on multiple problems.
• 🔄 The design thinking process is iterative, allowing for reevaluation and adjustment of problem statements as needed.
• 📚 Canva provides a workbook with exercises to practice the skills learned in the design thinking workshop.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the discovery phase in a design thinking process?

The discovery phase is about defining the problem that needs to be solved for the audience, establishing a clear goal, and ensuring that the team is united in addressing the same issue.

Why is it important to have a well-defined problem statement in a design thinking workshop?

A well-defined problem statement is crucial because it helps to focus the team's efforts, makes it easier to communicate goals to stakeholders, and provides a benchmark for determining when the problem has been solved.

What is a problem statement and how does it help in a design thinking workshop?

A problem statement is a concise sentence or two that identifies the gap between the current state and the desired state, focusing on the user and being actionable. It helps the team to align and work towards a common goal.

How can the Canva template assist in identifying the problem during a workshop?

The Canva template provides a structured way to frame the problem, allowing team members to add their thoughts and comments on sticky notes within a shared presentation, facilitating collaboration and idea generation.

What is the purpose of using sticky notes in the Canva template for a design thinking workshop?

Sticky notes allow team members to easily contribute ideas, ask questions, and add comments. They can be organized into columns and expanded into a whiteboard for more space, promoting an interactive and dynamic workshop environment.

How can team members collaborate in real-time using the Canva template?

Team members can collaborate in real-time by adding and editing sticky notes, seeing each other's contributions, and using real-time mouse pointers to track where others are working within the shared document.

What is the 'expand to whiteboard' feature and how does it benefit the workshop?

The 'expand to whiteboard' feature allows the workspace to be enlarged infinitely, ensuring that the team never runs out of space for their ideas. It also includes navigation tools like zoom and scroll for ease of use.

How can the whiteboard graphics and stickers be used to enhance the workshop experience?

Whiteboard graphics and stickers can be used to show appreciation for ideas, run voting sessions, and visually organize and prioritize concepts, adding an engaging and interactive element to the workshop.

What is the importance of having a timer function during the workshop?

The timer function helps to manage time effectively during brainstorming, voting, and grouping phases, ensuring that the workshop stays on schedule and participants remain focused on the task at hand.

How can the facilitator decide which problem to take to the next stage of the design thinking process?

The facilitator can decide based on the depth of the discussion, the alignment of the team, and the potential impact of solving the problem. Alternatively, the group may split into smaller teams to address multiple problems.

Why is it beneficial to revisit the problem statement in relation to the personas?

Revisiting the problem statement in relation to the personas ensures that the problem is relevant and resonates with the target audience, reinforcing the iterative nature of the design thinking process and allowing for adjustments based on feedback and insights.