Question, Hypothesis or Problem

“You don’t develop the best solution by doing lots of evaluative research and refining your design. You develop the best solution by properly identifying the problem with generative research.”

The UX research process involves phases (https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-research-cheat-sheet/):

1. Generative Research: helps you define the problem you’d like to design a solution for. Informs design.
2. Evaluative/Design Research: Evaluates an existing design (in prototype form or in final form). Informing your product.

In order for us to conduct the Evaluative Research, we need a specific problem to ensure the usability and ground it in the wants, needs, and desire of real people.

A good problem statement should have the following traits https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/stage-2-in-the-design-thinking-process-define-the-problem-and-interpret-the-results:

• Human-centered. Frame your problem statement according to specific users, their needs and the insights that your team has gained in the Empathise phase. The problem statement should be about the people the team is trying to help, rather than focussing on technology, monetary returns or product specifications.
• Broad enough for creative freedom. Should not focus too narrowly on a specific method regarding the implementation of the solution. The problem statement should also not list technical requirements, as this would unnecessarily restrict the team and prevent them from exploring areas that might bring unexpected value and insight to the project.
• Narrow enough to make it manageable. On the other hand, a problem statement such as , “Improve the human condition,” is too broad and will likely cause team members to easily feel daunted. Problem statements should have sufficient constraints to make the project manageable.

Here are a few design problem statement example formats https://www.toptal.com/designers/product-design/design-problem-statement :

• From the point of view of the user: “I am (persona) trying to (verb) but (barrier) because (cause) which makes me feel (emotional reaction).”
• Drawn from user research: “(Persona) needs a way to (user’s need) because (insight).”
• Using the 4 Ws: “Our (who) has the problem that (what) when (where). Our solution should deliver (why).”

Define the problem making sure to include https://uxplanet.org/designers-indispensable-skill-the-ability-to-write-and-present-a-solid-problem-statement-56a8b4b8060:

• Users:
• Who is the user?
• What users wants and needs?
• UX Metrics: How will we know if we solved the problem?
• Goal or outcome expected with the design solution.
• What are we trying to solve?
• How do we know is a real problem?
• Why is important to solve?