Problem Statement
Define and capture the key problem in a simple phrase
A good understanding of the problem is like a stamina potion you drink before a product journey: it saves a lot of resources and helps you slay the right dragon.
Step 1.
Prepare Questions
Before approaching Dave, we’ll use [what?] [why?] [who?] [when?] [where?] [how?] to write down a list of questions that may help us come up with a good problem statement.
Who has a need?
[actor]
What’s the problem?
[context]
When and where does the problem occur?
[context]
How is it solved now?
[context]
Step 2.
Talk to User
Let's question Dave in a casual conversation, avoiding formal interviews. For now, we aim to identify and simplify the existing problem, with in-depth exploration to follow.
Who has a need?
Dave, a beginner metal guitarist, has been trying to master the metal guitar for 20 years without any reasonable progress.
[Dave is our actor]
What’s the problem?
Dave wants to master the guitar and write his own metal music.
[Here is some context]
When and where does the problem occur?
Every time Dave sits at his computer at home, he grabs his guitar already connected through an audio interface, turns on Ableton, and then looks at the complex interface in frustration.
[Additional context can help us better understand what kind of product will better serve Dave's problem]
How is it solved now?
Dave has used many tools, but found them too complex, packed with unnecessary features, or burdened by costly subscriptions. Some even kill the motivation to practice. His unstructured learning routine includes online resources, YouTube videos, and a self-made Ableton template for chord progressions.
[This question deepens the context and uncovers current solutions]
Step 3.
Fill Template
Now we'll take all of Dave's answers and systematically put them into the problem statement template until we have a straight-to-the-point sentence that captures the issue.
How can we
...design a simple educational songwriting tool…
for
...a lifelong beginner metal guitarist, like Dave…
taking into account
...that he tried lots of other tools that didn’t satisfy him…
so that
...his need to become a metal god…
is satisfied?
Okay, this problem statement seems fine, but it definitely lacks some important details.
We'll turn into toddlers and probe Dave with questions a little bit more to dive deeper:
Ask 5x Why
Gain in-depth insights about the problem