We discussed an approach for problem solving:
- Create a problem statement (and context!)
- Form a hypothesis
- Attempt to disprove the hypothesis
- Solve
EXERCISE 1:
Take an existing problem you're working and have the group help in forming a hypothesis and disproving it.
Take an existing problem you're working and have the group help in forming a hypothesis and disproving it.
EXERCISE 2:
Use one of the following scenarios to help you practice problem solving. These should be used in two parts:
Part 1: Overall need identified. One of you gets to play the client and look at the client notes (none of the others should look during this part). The rest practice asking questions to understand constraints, context, true problem. The “client” can make up stuff that isn’t listed here.
Part 2: All of you work together to create a better problem statement and a hypothesis, then try to disprove the hypothesis, then final vision.
Use one of the following scenarios to help you practice problem solving. These should be used in two parts:
Part 1: Overall need identified. One of you gets to play the client and look at the client notes (none of the others should look during this part). The rest practice asking questions to understand constraints, context, true problem. The “client” can make up stuff that isn’t listed here.
Part 2: All of you work together to create a better problem statement and a hypothesis, then try to disprove the hypothesis, then final vision.
#1: Furniture Delivery
Background (everyone reads)
We deliver and install office furniture. We need a system that will direct drivers to the next location throughout the day. We need the installers to be able to scan work order or furniture UPC codes to download instructions on both how to assemble individual pieces and how to configure different pieces together. We want to collect sign off from the customer and let the installer mark it complete. Then direct driver to the next location.
Client details (only one of you reads)
- Trucks loaded at start of day, route planned out at start. Never reloaded during the day
- Deliveries may run long (hoping to prevent that from new system) - may need to switch / skip a delivery and re-route
- Drivers have their own devices (not company-provided)
- Many office buildings have limited cell signal
- Furniture configuration is complex, many ways to set pieces up
- Might be useful to let a client cancel delivery in an emergency
#2: Waiting Room Entertainment
background (everyone reads)
We want to create content devices / kiosks to serve videos and games for people in waiting rooms (doctors, dentists, mechanics, etc.). The offices can sign up for a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription (with better rates for a bigger commitment). We need to send invoices on the the month/quarter/year anniversary of the start of their subscription. Invoices need to be reviewed by finance team. We would like to offer different levels of subscription (basic, premium, special interest channels). We update content weekly.
client details (only one of you reads)
- Content needs to be tagged by level of subscription and mapped back to royalties / fees to content owners
- Some premium content could be in multiple subscription types
- Considering premium option to let office / location add simple content (like banners, announcements)
- Looking to expand finance team to support growth because of daily complexity of invoicing process
- It’d be great if we could track usage data and see what kind of content gets used more
- Could consider letting office view usage information