Mapping Problem Spaces

These flashcards cover core concepts, analytical frameworks, and visual mapping tools from the SCIE90011 Mapping Problem Spaces lecture.

Need

The gap between the current and desired state for a specific stakeholder in a specific context.

Need statement

A clear definition of a need expressed as: [User] in [context] needs a way to [do X] because [why it matters].

Double Diamond Framework

A process model for product development moving from Discovery and Define to Ideate and Create.

Problem

A specific, framed challenge that, in product development, should be moved from an overarching umbrella topic to a narrowly defined statement.

Problem space

The structured landscape of related needs, stakeholders, contexts, causes, and constraints.

Solution space

Possible ways to address the identified problem.

Stakeholders

A network of people and institutions (such as customers, clinicians, or governments) who experience the problem and have specific needs.

Root causes

The underlying reasons for a problem, consisting of immediate causes like manual data entry and underlying causes like legacy systems or training gaps.

Constraints

Factors in the problem space such as regulatory requirements, health and safety requirements, and available resources.

Enablers

Factors that support progress, such as technologies, platforms, partnerships, and supportive policies; these can become constraints if unavailable.

Mind maps

A visual mapping tool that starts with a broad challenge at the center and uses branching levels to show increasingly specific relationships between stakeholders and processes.

Problem tree

A visual diagnostic tool where the trunk represents the central problem, the roots represent underlying causes, and the branches represent consequences.

Affinity grouping

A collaborative organizing technique that clusters related user needs or requirements into themed groups based on similarity.

The 5 Whys technique

An identification method used to find real-world problems by asking "Why?" multiple times in a sequence to uncover root causes.

PESTEL Analysis

A strategic framework for scanning macro-environmental factors: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal.

Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram

A visual tool for structured root cause analysis that organizes potential causes of a problem into categories branching off a central spine.

8 M approach

The categories used in an Ishikawa diagram: Measurement, Materials, Machines (Maintenance), Management, Mother Nature, Manpower, Methods, and Money.

Priority matrix

A tool used to prioritize problems or needs based on dimensions such as Impact vs. Frequency or Impact vs. Current Satisfaction.

Problem Statement

A foundational document for decision-making containing the Problem Definition, Target Audience, Impact/Importance, and Ideal Situation.