People face problems every day- usually multiple problems throughout the day. Sometimes the problems may be straightforward and sometimes it may even become more complex. In such a situation what are we expected to do? It is always considered better to identify a problem and then apply strategies for solving it. Because how can someone put efforts to solve a problem when he does not know what the problem is or where the problem is?
Defining a problem initially is always the best. It is not only important to find solutions to the problems, but also equal efforts should be put to understand the problem clearly. Problem finding is an initial step towards problem solving. The problem should be posed and formulated in fruitful and often radical ways if they are to be moved towards solution.
The way the problem is posed the dilemma will be resolved in that way. The formulation of problem is more essential to raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old ques from a new angle etc. One should focus on increasing capacity for discovering and inventing problems but for finding the deeper problems and in the due course it would be solved.
Problem finding comes before problem solving
This statement is of so much relevance in today’s era because we live in a problem-solving world. Problems often come together in complex ways, leaving no single answer. We have many goals focused on problem solving, but we don’t spend the same amount of time making the right approach to know what the problem actually is. We regularly hear that it is so essential to be a solid issue solver, the ability is quite often remembered for 21st Century Skills for everyone.
One all around respected structure for critical thinking is “Plan Thinking” an orderly cycle that guides partners through comprehension, investigating and emerging answers for their difficulties or items. We can tackle every one of the issues we need yet in the event that we are not addressing the correct ones, our endeavours can be squandered. Clearly Identifying the problems at hand was the single most impactful component of the design thinking process. Had we not spent the time crafting these statements, the work would have been misguided and any time or energy put into a solution might not be effective.
The nature of the problem is far more important than the solution, which may be a matter of mathematical ability or of mere exploration. Raising new, potential questions, looking at old problems on the other hand requires good thinking and marks real progress in science.
Market research is the process of determining the effectiveness of a new service or product through research conducted directly by potential customers. Market research allows a company to find a targeted market and get ideas and other feedback from consumers about their interest in a product or service. Without research, it is impossible to understand one’s users. Sure, one may have a general idea of who they are and what they need, but one needs to dig deeper if one wants to win their loyalty.
The four different methods for market research are as follows-
There are many different ways one can do market research and collect customer data, but it is not necessary to limit to just one research method. The four most common types of market research strategies include research, interviews, focus groups, and customer views.
1. Surveys
Surveys ask users a short series of open- or closed-ended questions, which can be delivered as an on-screen questionnaire or via email.
2. Interviews
Interviews are one-on-one conversations with members of target market. Nothing beats a face-to-face interview for diving deep (and reading non-verbal cues), but if an in-person meeting isn’t possible, video conferencing is a solid second choice. Regardless of how you conduct it, any type of in-depth interview will produce big benefits in understanding the target market and customers.
3. Focus groups
Focus groups bring together a carefully selected group of people who fit a company’s target market. A trained moderator leads a conversation surrounding the product, user experience, and marketing message to gain deeper insights.
4. Observation
During a customer observation session someone from the company takes notes while they watch an ideal user engage with their product (or a similar product from a competitor).
‘Fly-on-the-wall’ observation is a great alternative to focus groups. It’s not only less expensive, but one can see people interact with the product in a natural setting without influencing each other. The only downside is that one can’t get inside their heads, so observation is no replacement for customer surveys and interviews.
Note to End On-
Perpetually when a problem is recognized, we should represent the problem in memory. Before solving problems, we need to identify different aspects of a problem and the final stage is labelling, describing and solving the problem. Therefore, Problem finding comes before Problem solving.