Train yourself to see problems as design opportunities — and write problem statements that lead to powerful solutions.
Learn — read and understand
Problem-finding: the most underrated design skill
Most people focus on solutions. Great designers focus on problems. Finding the RIGHT problem to solve is more valuable than finding any solution. A brilliant solution to the wrong problem is useless. Problem-finding requires observation, empathy, and patience.
The 'Five Whys' technique
When you find a problem, ask "Why?" five times in a row. Each "why" takes you deeper toward the real root cause. Example: "The classroom is messy." Why? → "Supplies have no storage." Why? → "Shelves are too high for students." NOW you have the real problem to solve.
Three types of problems designers solve
Functional problems: something does not work well (a door handle that is hard to open). Safety problems: something is dangerous (sharp corners on a desk). Usability problems: something is hard to use (a water fountain too tall for children). Each type requires a different design approach.
Writing a powerful problem statement
A problem statement has three parts: WHO has the problem, WHAT the problem is, and WHY it matters. The HMW format turns problem statements into design prompts: "How might we help Grade 3 students organize their desks so they spend less time searching for supplies?"
Explore — real problems with real problem statements
Tap to reveal
Safety: sharp desk corners
HMW: "How might we redesign desk corners so students can bump into them without getting hurt?" Solution: rounded corners, corner guards.
Tap to reveal
Function: pencil rolls off desk
HMW: "How might we keep pencils on the desk surface without students holding them?" Solution: pencil groove, flat-sided pencils.
Tap to reveal
Usability: fountain too tall
HMW: "How might we make the water fountain accessible to students of different heights?" Solution: step stool, adjustable height.
Tap to reveal
Opportunity: no quiet storage
HMW: "How might we design a test-time storage solution that creates no noise and fits on a standard desk?"
Activity — classify each problem by type
Drag or tap a label, then drop/tap on a zone
Safety
Functional
Usability
Opportunity gap
Sharp edge cuts fingers
Chair wobbles constantly
Shelf too high for kids
No product exists yet
Quiz — 5 challenging questions
1What does the 'Five Whys' technique help you find?
2A water fountain is too tall for Grade 3 students to reach. This is a… problem.
3What is the correct structure of a problem statement?
4Why is jumping to a solution too fast a design mistake?