Problem statement examples to develop a successful innovation

Problem statement examples

A problem statement is a concise description of a problem or challenge that needs to be addressed or solved. It is typically used in the field of project management to describe the goals of a project and the actions that will be taken to achieve those goals.

Here are a few examples of problem statements:

The company’s current website is not mobile-friendly, which is leading to a high bounce rate and low conversion rate on mobile devices.

Our sales team is struggling to generate leads and close deals, resulting in declining revenue.

The manufacturing process at our plant is inefficient, causing production delays and excess waste.

The current process for onboarding new employees is time-consuming and lacks standardization, leading to inconsistency in training and a longer time to productivity.

The city’s public transportation system is unreliable and does not adequately serve the needs of commuters, resulting in increased traffic and air pollution.

In each of these examples, the problem statement clearly identifies the issue that needs to be addressed and the impact it is having on the organization or community. We like to help organizations become more innovative by sharing proven techniques and strategies for managing innovation and unlocking growth opportunities. If you want to learn the principles of starting an innovative movement within your projects and organization you should consider our free course. Click here to take your organization to the next level of innovation!

Problem statement template Design Thinking

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves empathy, experimentation, and iteration. It can be used to develop creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.

A problem statement template for design thinking might include the following elements:

Context: Describe the context in which the problem exists, including the stakeholders and users who are affected by the problem.
Problem: Clearly define the problem and its consequences. What is the issue that needs to be addressed? How does it affect the stakeholders and users?
Objectives: Identify the specific goals that the solution should achieve. What do you hope to accomplish with the solution?
Constraints: Identify any constraints or limitations that may impact the development of the solution. What resources or limitations do you have to consider?
Success criteria: Define the criteria that will be used to determine whether the solution is successful. How will you measure the effectiveness of the solution?

Using this template can help you to clearly define the problem and identify the key elements that will need to be addressed in order to develop a successful solution.

Customer problem statement

A customer problem statement is a statement that describes a problem or challenge faced by a customer or group of customers. It is typically used in the context of customer service or product development, and is intended to help the organization understand the needs and pain points of its customers.

Here is an example of a customer problem statement:

“Our customers often struggle to find the right size and fit when shopping for clothes online. As a result, they frequently have to return items, which is time-consuming and frustrating for them. This leads to a high rate of customer dissatisfaction and a negative impact on our bottom line.”

In this example, the customer problem statement clearly identifies the issue faced by the customers (difficulty finding the right size and fit when shopping online) and the impact it has on both the customers (frustration and time-consuming returns) and the organization (high rates of customer dissatisfaction and a negative impact on revenue).

Creating a customer problem statement can help an organization to better understand the needs and challenges faced by its customers and to develop solutions that address those issues effectively.

Job-to-be-done theory and problem statement

The “job to be done” theory, developed by Clayton Christensen, is a framework for understanding customer behavior and decision-making. It suggests that people hire products or services to do a “job” for them, and that understanding the job that a customer is trying to get done can help a business to create products or services that better meet their needs.

In the context of problem statements, the job to be done theory can be used to identify the specific needs or goals that a customer is trying to achieve by using a product or service. For example:

A customer hires a hammer to drive nails into a piece of wood. The job to be done is “to securely fasten two pieces of wood together.”
A customer hires a ride-sharing service to take them from point A to point B. The job to be done is “to safely and efficiently transport me from one location to another.”

Understanding the job to be done can help a business to identify the key features or benefits that a product or service should have in order to effectively meet the needs of its customers. This can inform the development of a problem statement that clearly defines the issue that needs to be addressed and the goals that the solution should aim to achieve.

Better problem statements with STUDIO.WHY

At STUDIO.WHY, we understand that problem-solving can be challenging, and we are here to help. We offer hands-on experiences and challenge-based learning to assist individuals and organizations in unlocking their innovative potential and taking control of their futures. We believe in empowering people to innovate, learn continuously, and become indispensable by creating value for others and the world around them. Our programs and initiatives are designed to showcase real results from new and innovative approaches. We want to support and guide you as you identify and address problems, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals through successful problem-solving. Let us help you unlock your full potential and reach your aspirations.

Problem statement examples to develop a successful innovation

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