Problem statements and why they're good for design

Writing problem statements is a critical aspect of product design. It offers several benefits, such as focusing on the user's needs and desires, which is vital for creating a successful product. Additionally, it sets clear goals for the design team to ensure everyone is working towards the same objective. Moreover, it encourages creativity by providing designers with the freedom to explore a range of potential solutions. Problem statements also help to ensure alignment among stakeholders, reducing the risk of wasted time and resources. Lastly, crafting a well-defined problem statement can help prevent issues early in the design process, saving both time and money.

A good framework I like to use for writing problem statements is the 5 w's.

The five Ws are:

1. Who - Who is involved or affected by the problem?
2. What - What is the problem or issue?
3. When - When did the problem begin or become noticeable?
4. Where - Where is the problem occurring?
5. Why - Why is the problem happening?

In the context of problem statement writing, the 5 Ws can be used to gather information and structure the problem statement in a clear and concise way. Asking these questions helps to identify the key issues and stakeholders involved, and allows for a deeper understanding of the problem at hand.

For example, a problem statement for a product design project might be structured using the 5 Ws like this:

"Who: Our target user group What: Struggles with finding affordable, nutritious meal options When: During busy weekdays, when they have little time to cook or grocery shop Where: At home, work, or on the go Why: Due to a lack of time and affordable options in their area"

By using the 5 Ws, the problem statement can clearly identify the target user group, their problem, when and where the problem occurs, and why it is happening. This can help to ensure that everyone on the design team has a clear understanding of the problem and can work towards a solution that addresses the key issues.

Overall, writing problem statements is essential for successful product design. It helps to ensure that the product meets the needs of the user, sets clear goals, encourages creativity, ensures alignment among stakeholders, and saves time and resources.

1. This article from the Interaction Design Foundation provides a detailed explanation of what a problem statement is and how to create one: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/problem-statements-in-design-thinking-how-to-frame-the-right-challenge
2. This blog post from Medium discusses the importance of problem statements in product design and provides examples of well-written problem statements: https://uxdesign.cc/writing-a-problem-statement-for-product-design-89d31b3c2da1
3. This resource from Stanford University's d.school explains how to write a good problem statement and provides examples from real design projects: https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources-collections/a-virtual-crash-course-in-design-thinking
4. This article from UX Booth provides tips for writing effective problem statements and offers examples of problem statements for different design projects: https://www.uxbooth.com/articles/writing-effective-problem-statements/
5. This article from Smashing Magazine discusses the importance of problem statements in UX design and offers a step-by-step process for creating one: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/04/problem-statement-ux-design/

These resources offer different perspectives and examples of problem statements in various contexts, from UX design to design thinking. They can be helpful for those looking to learn more about writing effective problem statements for product design.