Homework – Problem definition and opportunity search

Formulate the central problem of the project based on the research and the persona, then examine several possible solution directions. The goal is not to defend the first idea, but to choose a focus with justification.

Deliverables

• a shareable FigJam link;
• a one-page project brief (problem, target user, primary task, organizational goal, constraints, success criterion, exclusions) and a stakeholder table;
• a user story for the main task;
• a problem statement in this structure: "The problem of the [user type] is that [situation or obstacle], because of which [negative consequence]."
• at least three "How Might We…?" questions;
• solution ideas starting from the questions (at least eight, with a short description);
• a 2×2 prioritization matrix with impact and feasibility axes;
• a short justification of which solution direction you take forward, and why.

On the board, mark separately the research evidence and the assumptions not yet verified.

Evaluation criteria

• The brief narrows to a single researchable and testable task, and names the exclusions.
• The problem statement follows from the research, it is not a solution idea.
• The HMW questions do not suggest a solution, and are not too broad.
• The justification of the matrix is understandable, and it is visible what is evidence and what is assumption.