REPLY Getting a Good Problem Statement (SD6543)

[SDMAIL Mike Fletcher]

Posted by  "Mike Fletcher" <mefletcher at gmail.com>

As we know, most problem statements are assumption or solution driven
or lack proper focus, and far too little time is dedicated to adequate
problem definition.  It may be human nature to jump immediately into
problem solving mode.

To mitigate against these tendencies there are a series of generic
problem restatement methods. These are spelled out in "The Thinker's
Toolkit" by Morgan Jones, and possibly other texts which I'm not aware
of.

In summary the techniques are:

Paraphrasing

180 degrees (e.g. "What is causing X to go up?" turns into "What is
could cause X to go down?)

Broaden the Focus

Shift the Focus

Ask "Why?"

If anyone is aware of any other generic frameworks like this that are
effective, I'd be interested in hearing about them.


-- ------------------------------------------------------ 
Michael E. Fletcher 
Posted by  "Mike Fletcher" <mefletcher at gmail.com>
posting date  Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:30:53 -0400