Formulating a problem
Before you can design a solution to tackle a problem, you must first identify and specify the problem itself. It is often much harder to identify a problem that can be tackled than to come up with a solution. However, if you can define the problem carefully before you begin to solve it, you can often reach a more creative and higher quality solution, and faster too.
What sort of problems are there?
Not all problems represent a difficulty for someone or something. Some problems are indeed of that kind, but a problem may also be defined, for example, as a wish to find an improvement to an existing solution or to increase our knowledge about something we do not yet know enough about.
Identifying and defining a manageable problem
We may think that we can spot problems easily. However, most of us tend to express problems in a rather inexact way. If you select a problem that is very broad and complex, it may be extremely hard, if not impossible, to find a solution. You need to define your problems very specifically so that you can start designing a solution. At the very least, you need to make clear:
- What is it that is not good enough or wrong at present? (the need)
- What would need to be done to make it good enough? (the goal)
In addition, it is not enough to define what the problem is. Your definition of the problem also needs to include information about the context:
- Where is the problem?
- For whom is it a problem?
- When is it a problem?
- Why is it a problem?
In conclusion, to formulate a problem that you can solve, your definition of the problem must contain all the elements listed above, stated simply and clearly in just a sentence or two. If you change any of the elements, the nature of the problem will change, which may mean that a different type of solution is required.
Example of a problem formulation
A Finnish conservationist has observed an unacceptable increase in the number of threatened bird species in Finland. To design a solution to this problem, she analyses the problem according to the elements of a problem described in this handout:
| What is it that is not good enough or wrong at present? (the need) | Declining bird species in Finland |
| What would need to be done to make it good enough? (the goal) | Ensure the conservation and sustainability of bird species in Finland |
| Where is the problem | Within the Finnish natural environment |
| For whom is it a problem? | Bird populations and the ecosystems they inhabit |
| When is it a problem? | Continuously, as the decline in bird species is ongoing |
| Why is it a problem? | Loss of habitat, environmental pollution, and climate change are contributing factors to the decline in bird species in Finland. |
Having carried out the analysis, she then formulates a statement of the problem in a form that allows her to tackle it.
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Problem statement The decline of bird species in Finland poses a significant environmental challenge, affecting the biodiversity and ecological balance. This decline is attributed to factors such as habitat loss, environmental pollution, and climate change, necessitating urgent conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of bird populations and their ecosystems. |