UX_Finding-A-Problem-Statement-Guide.pdf
- 1. 1 Finding a Problem to Solve: A Short Guide
- 2. 2 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?
- 3. 3 Finding a Problem to Solve FINDING A PROBLEM TO SOLVE Academy Xi © 2018 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.
- 4. 4 Defining a Problem Statement FINDING A PROBLEM TO SOLVE Academy Xi © 2018 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
- 5. 5 Start Ideating Your Problem Statement FINDING A PROBLEM TO SOLVE Academy Xi © 2018
- 6. 6 Finding a Problem to Solve FINDING A PROBLEM TO SOLVE Academy Xi © 2018 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 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. 11
- 7. 7 Finding a Problem to Solve FINDING A PROBLEM TO SOLVE Academy Xi © 2018 13 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? 14 12 15 16 17 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. 19 20 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?