Many companies fail as they get stuck in the so-called "solution space" instead of focusing on the "problem space" and exploring it as much as possible, making sure that what they build is actually solving a customer problem. We must always keep in mind the root causes of the initial problem, the usage context, customer behavior and habits, desired outcomes, etc. Altogether, there are quite a few things that we tend to forget.
This frameworks helps to:
- Spend more time exploring the "problem space" before start building a solution;
- Keep in mind your customers while analyzing all incoming ideas. And sometimes even throw away ideas that are inappropriate at the moment;
- Get all your teammates on the same page about the initial idea, customer problems, and other essential things from the "problem space";
- Identify blind spots in your knowledge about your customers.
- Evaluate product ideas through the “problem space” lenses and throw away inappropriate at the moment.
- Put all your teammates on the same page about customers and reasons behind new feature.
- Not to forget to plan additional feature launch activities.
- Use for kick-off meetings: pitching, feature initiation, etc.
- Involve team in brainstorming sessions and keep focus on essential areas.
- Use for backlog grooming and planning sessions.
- Design solutions keeping in mind users, problems, and usage context.
- Prepare for user research.
- Sell your design decisions with more confidence.
The basic version consists of 7 blocks with simple yet powerful questions to help you dive into the "problem space".
Sometimes it helps to realize that there is no reason to implement the idea: there are no real problems behind it, or the customer's value proposition is not clear.
It can also show you some blind spots in your understanding of customers and nudge you to do some research.
The basic version is suitable for almost all types of features/ideas: digital and non-digital. You can use it during different brainstorming sessions to engage all teammates and put everyone on the same page. Or during grooming or planning sessions to help your team dive to feature details.
| Download Basic version |
The Full version consists of two major blocks (a bold vertical line separates them).
The "Analysis area" contains all blocks from the basic version plus two additional blocks. These blocks help you broaden your understanding of your customers by focusing on their behavior and characteristics.
The "Planning area" helps you make the first step towards the "solution space" by focusing on what might be required for the idea implementation. And not to forget about business outcomes.
The Full version can be used either as a one-time synchronization tool or maintained throughout the idea life cycle.
| Download Full version |
Consultant
Nick is an experienced speaker and organizer of many conferences.