UX_Finding-A-Problem-Statement-Guide.pdf

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Finding a
Problem to Solve:
A Short Guide

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In your personal project you’ll be asked to explore a real world ‘problem’ through User
Experience Design. Your 'problem' can be an issue close to your heart, or a project you’re
bringing from work.
Introduction to Problem-Solving
FINDING A PROBLEM TO SOLVE Academy Xi © 2018
User Experience Design isn’t about coming up with a solution;
it’s about the process of working out how to find answers.
Part of problem-solving is being connected to the world around
you. It’s about learning to observe, listen and sense a situation
before investigating the problem further.
Set aside some time to observe your local cafe. How are people
interacting in this environment?
Complete a 30 minute field study, and identify some ‘problems’
that could be solved through User Expereince Design. Use a
notebook to write down your findings.
Before you start ideating on your 'problem', ask yourself these
important questions:
• What do I want to achieve from the UX course?
• Which ‘problem’ will interest and challenge me?
• Can I easily find user-testers for my ‘problem’?
• Will my ‘problem’ add to my design portfolio?
• Will my ‘problem’ stand out to potential employers?
• How will my ‘problem’ help me get a job in UX?

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Finding a Problem to Solve
We’ve created this simple guide to help make the process of
finding a ‘problem’ a little easier. Ask yourself:
1. What is my ‘problem space’?
Think of an area of interest to research. How would you describe
this area of interest?
• Is it an environmental/social issue you care about?
• Is it a business problem that affects your job?
• Is your 'problem' to do with food, clothing, sport, or media?
2. Is my 'problem' human-centric?
Don't make your problem too big—we can't solve world hunger
in 10 weeks. Instead, think of a way to improve the day-to-day
interactions of people that promotes social good.
• Is there anyone currently solving this 'problem'?
• How have they "solved" this 'problem'?
If you're in need of inspiration for your personal
project, refer to our list of '20 common UX problems'
on page 6 of this guide.
3. Who are my users?
In UX, you won't be able to understand good design if you don't
understand people first.
During the course you will need to complete research to identify
who your users are. This takes shape through face-to-face
interviews, online surveys and live usability testing with people who
experience your 'problem'.
• What questions will I need to ask to form my research?
• Who is experiencing this 'problem'?
• What are the different user groups affected by this 'problem'?
• Is the 'problem' the same for each user group, or different?
4. Do I have empathy?
Put yourself in the users shoes, and think about how you can
provide a meaningful and relevant experience:
• How many people are affected by this 'problem'?
• How does my user 'say, do, think, feel'?
• How could their lives be improved if this 'problem' was solved?
Don't forget that without empathy you can't deliver a successful
business product that drives value.

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Defining a Problem Statement
When coming up ideas, don't get stuck on whether your problem
is 'right' or 'wrong'—the process of User Experience Design is full
of uncertainties! Trust the process and embrace the doubt. This is
what makes a good UX Practitioner.
Throughout the course you may need to redefine your problem
statement. Don't let this discourage you, as there is no expectation
in the class, or industry, to get it right first go.
This is where research comes in. Design research plays an
important role in validating our ideas.
For example, in Week 1 you might start out with a problem
statement like this:
Rock climbers in Sydney don't know how to connect
with other climbers, and don't know where to find
new outdoor locations.
However, through face-to-face interviews and online survey
responses, you might discover that 'connecting with other climbers'
is not a real user concern.
Remember that it's important to let go of your own personal
assumptions and bias. Let the qualitative and quantitative data in
your research dictate the direction of your personal project.
You might then revise your initial problem statement, and in your
Week 10 presentation uncover that the root issue is actually this:
How might we better inform climbers about outdoor
bouldering, so they can plan better, and find suitable
climbs more easily?
It's only through your research that you learn what users actually
need is a tool to help them find outdoor bouldering locations, and
better plan trips.
If you follow the process it will all make sense in the end!
"Never fall in love with the solution. Love the problem. Any
execution, any idea, any concept is simply one way to solve a
problem. Learn to let go."
—Jeremy Carson

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Start Ideating Your Problem Statement

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If you're having trouble, here’s our list of 20 common UX problems to inspire your
personal project. Don't feel limited to these ideas as they're not 'right' or 'wrong'.
I feel confused about which items
are landfill, and which items
I can actually recycle in my trash.
I don’t know how to encourage
my child’s education, and support
their learning development in a
home environment.
I don’t know how to become
involved with my local
community, and support council
initiatives to benefit residents.
I run a small business and
don’t how to convert one-off
customers to a returning, loyal
customer base.
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I don’t know how to find partners
for my start-up idea, or search
for investors to pitch my idea.
I always run late when trying to
find a streetside car spot in an
area I'm unfamiliar with. How can
I find good parking spots?
I find it really difficult to stay
up-to-date with current affairs,
and feel disengaged from most
journalistic news platforms.
I’m a professional that travels
frequently for work, and find it
challenging to keep track of
multiple appointments when I
cross time zones.
I never know how long certain
tasks will take. I end up
running late for appointments
and miss important deadlines.
I love plants, but don’t have a
green thumb. I never know
how frequently I need to
water them or if I’m even
looking after them properly.
I get really bored on long
layovers in airports beause I
don’t know where the facilities
are. I can never relax because
I’m paranoid about missing
my connecting flight.
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Loneliness has a huge impact
on the mental, emotional
and physical health of the
elderly. How can I best
support my grandparents
living in aged care?
Every year thousands of
animals at pounds and
shelters are euthanized. How
can I successfully match these
animals with people looking
to adopt pets?
My partner always forgets to
do his chores, and it causes
a lot of tension in our
relationship. How can I keep
my home clean without
picking up the slack?
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18 I want my life have a bit more
spontaneity, but struggle
to find new and exciting
things to do within Sydney.
I get so caught up with work
that I always forget to keep in
touch with friends and family.
How do I stop missing out on
important occasions because
of my busy schedule.
How can I become more
politically informed when
I only have a layman’s
understanding of politics, law
and economics.
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I have a lot of difficulty
meeting new people as a
single, mature-aged adult.
There are so many dating
apps for young people,
but there are no innovative
options for older people.
My child has a lot of issues
being bullied at school, but
transferring to a new school
isn’t an option. How can I
help my child rebuild their
confidence so they enjoy their
school experience?
How can a traditional toy
company stay relevant by
catering to a more
digitally-inclined generation?

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