Identifying the right problem and solving it well is one of design’s toughest challenges. In a rapidly changing world, sharpening these skills is a lifelong endeavor. Effective problem-solvers clarify what they know (and don’t know), seek diverse perspectives, lean on research, and refine their thinking as they go. With curiosity, openness, and a willingness to iterate, designers can uncover root causes, explore multiple paths forward, and craft solutions that truly work.
“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” — Charles Kettering
Here are 14 key reminders to help you think critically and creatively about solving the right problems in the right way.
1 / Figure out what you know and don’t know
Write down all the problems you know, related to the problem space. Document what you don’t know but would like to discover; what information is missing?
2 / Find people to talk to
Who in your organization can help you? Who has the knowledge that you want to acquire? Identify the people to speak with, write a brief script, set up meetings, begin your investigation, and start asking questions. Follow wherever these conversations guide you.
3 / Look at what the research tells you
What does your research and data tell you about the problem space? Where does it guide you, and how can it help you? What is it telling you not to do?
4 / Think about how you’re framing problems
Are you looking at the problem from the right angle? Analyze it from different perspectives. Consider the bigger picture; consider how you are stating the issue.
5 / Start designing ideas
And don’t wait for permission. Ideas are cheap, and they’re most effectively communicated when shown (instead of told). Do not worry about polishing; focus on quickly developing your ideas. Prototype! Use a UI kit (who cares); get it done. Share your ideas, receive feedback, see what resonates, and iterate.
6 / Generate a lot of ideas
Too often, we pick one idea and stick with it. Our process and ability to succeed break down quickly when we fail to consider all potential solutions. The magic happens when we diverge and consider many different ideas. Get good at designing ideas rapidly. Don’t overthink it.
7 / Demystify the problem
Big problems can be complex and often intertwined with other issues. Find ways to break big problems down and visualize them! Help others understand. Only when we know something can we talk about it.
8 / Be open-minded and curious
Children are great at asking questions; as adults, we sometimes forget. If you could solve this problem in any way, how would you do it? Ask, “What if”—what if we? Be audacious; it costs nothing to think big.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein
9 / Think about the root cause
Often, we build solutions that don’t solve the problem correctly because we don’t fully understand the underlying cause of the issue. Reflect deeply on the situation and its underlying causes.
10 / Look beyond what is right in front of you
The surface-level details only tell part of the story. Enhance your observation skills and develop the ability to look beyond the surface to gain a deeper understanding of the cause and effect related to the problem.
11 / Consider the cause and effect
Consider how and why things happen, recognizing the cause-and-effect relationships in your problem space. If necessary, map them out.
12 / Prioritize and understand trade-offs
Which problems are worth solving now and why? What do you gain or lose by not solving a different problem? Which problem, if you solved it, would solve other problems?
13 / Test your ideas
The best way to get feedback on and validate an idea is to see what happens when it’s out there in the market. Do you want to wait that long and risk wasting the time and money invested in building an idea? If not, find ways to test your concept sooner.
14 / Do not fall in love with your ideas
We are hardwired to love our ideas. Don’t. Remember to stay as focused and unbiased as possible. Follow the evidence, let conversations and feedback guide you, and kill or adapt your ideas with all the new information that comes in.
Resources and links
- Problem statements in UX discovery (article)
- Don’t jump to conclusions: why designers need to get good at finding the right problem (article)
- Problem framing, not problem-solving: the skill necessary to grow as a UX professional (article)
- A beginner’s guide to UX problem solving (article)
- Navigating ambiguity digital cards and toolkit (tool)
- Questions to look at a problem from many different angles (Figma resource)
- Badass: Making Users Awesome (Book)
- Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love (Book)
- More essential reads for designers (Book list)
