Identifying the correct problem and finding the best solution is a major challenge for designers. However, we can constantly improve our problem-solving skills throughout our careers, especially in a rapidly changing environment and technology landscape. As we improve at problem-solving, we can remember things to help us, like identifying what we know and don't know, seeking insights from others, using research, and continually refining our perspective. By approaching problems with curiosity, open-mindedness, and a relentless willingness to iterate, we can uncover the root causes, explore diverse solutions, and ultimately create more effective designs. Here are 14 key reminders to help you think critically and creatively about solving the right problems in the right way.
“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” — Charles Kettering
14 tips
Figure out what you know and don’t know
Write down all the problems you know, related to the problem space. Document what you don’t know but would like to discover; what information is missing?
Find people to talk to
Who in your organization can help you? Who has the knowledge that you want to acquire? Identify people to speak with, write a brief script, set up meetings, begin your investigation, start asking questions, and follow wherever these conversations guide you.
Look at what the research tells you
What does your research and data tell you about the problem space; where does it guide you, and how can it help you? What is it telling you not to do?
Think about how you’re framing problems
Are you looking at the problem from the right angle? Analyze it from different perspectives. Consider the bigger picture; consider how you are stating the problem.
Start designing ideas
(don’t ask for permission)
Ideas are cheap, and they’re most effectively communicated when shown (instead of told). Do not worry about polishing; design your ideas quickly. Prototype! Use a UI kit (who cares); just get it done. Share your ideas, get feedback, see what gets traction, and iterate.
Generate a lot of ideas
Too often, we pick and go with one idea. Our process and ability to succeed breaks down quickly when we don’t consider all the potential solutions. The magic happens when we diverge and consider many different ideas. Get good at designing ideas quickly. Don’t overthink it.
Demystify the problem
Big problems can be confusing and often tangled with other problems. Find ways to break big problems down simply—visualize them! Help others understand. Only when we understand something can we talk about it.
Be open-minded and curious
Kids are great at asking questions; as adults, sometimes we forget. If you could solve this problem in any way, how would you do it? Ask, “What if”—what if we? Be audacious; it costs nothing to think big.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein
Think about the root cause
Often, we build solutions that don’t solve the problem correctly because we don’t understand the truth about what is causing the problem. Think deeply about the problem and where it’s coming from.
Look beyond what is right in front of you
The surface-level details only tell part of the story. Improve your observation skills and get really good at looking beyond the surface to gain a deeper understanding of cause and effect in relation to the problem.
Consider the cause and effect
Consider how and why things happen, recognizing the cause-and-effect relationships in your problem space. If necessary, map them out.
Prioritize and understand trade-offs
Which problems are worth solving now and why? What do you gain or lose by not solving a different problem? Which problem, if you solved it, would solve other problems?
Test your ideas
The best way to get feedback on and validate an idea is to see what happens when it’s out there in the market. Do you want to wait that long and risk the time and money of building an idea? If not, find ways to test your idea sooner.
Do not fall in love with your ideas
(and kill your darlings)
We are hardwired to love our own ideas. Don’t. Remember to stay as focused and unbiased as possible. Follow the evidence, let conversations and feedback guide you, and kill or adapt your ideas with all the new information that comes in.
Resources and links
- Problem statements in UX discovery (article)
- Don’t jump to conclusions: why designers need to get good at finding the right problem (article)
- Problem framing, not problem-solving: the skill necessary to grow as a UX professional (article)
- A beginner’s guide to UX problem solving (article)
- Navigating ambiguity digital cards and toolkit (tool)
- Questions to look at a problem from many different angles (Figma resource)
- Badass: Making Users Awesome (Book)
- Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love (Book)
- More essential reads for designers (Book list)
