Dictionary definitions of problems distinguish between exercises in mathematical operations (e.g., construction of geometric proofs) and questions involving some doubt, difficulty or uncertainty that may be proposed for solution or discussion. Mathematical operations may be used in developing a solution. Problems that matter to people are more often ideas conceptualized in non-mathematical terms. Problems are essentially unmet human needs. These problems can be also viewed as an opportunity for innovation. There is a diversity of problems in the world around us- from chronic diseases, energy, fiscal policy to more mundane decision-making aspects of modern life. Many of the most challenging problems lack singular “silver-bullet” solutions.
Human nature drives us to focus on and solve problems that matter. These are the problems or challenges that relate to real human needs. Many are familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. Manfred Max-Neef also proposed a taxonomy of needs: subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, leisure, creation, identity, and freedom. While we may be focused on our own immediate needs, all humans have multiple needs, and there are billions of humans on our planet with multiple needs, and all these other peoples’ problems matter.
Innovation for problems that matter
Thomas Edison once explained his approach to innovation succinctly: “I find out what the world needs. Then, I go ahead and invent it.” The most successful businesses tend to be born out of that sweet spot where what the world needs intersects with what you are deeply passionate about. We all want to solve problems that matter. We feel connected to the decisions we make; and the impact they have on people. When we are working on these sorts of important problems that we all care about, it becomes an emotional process.
Solving problems that matter has an impact on those people whose needs are now met through this innovation. The innovation of a solution to a problem may impact one person, or provide an aggregate solution affecting many people. Impact happens in a variety of ways – through the entrepreneurial ventures; through research publications; and, most importantly, through the actors (in the problem) who’s behavior and lives change. The metrics used to measure the scale of the impact will vary with the goals of the specific innovation – e.g. Physical event statistics (temperature, time between events, number of successful outcomes), monetary value, reported satisfaction, etc.
There are a multiplicity of approaches to innovating problems into solutions. Some methods involve direct action (e.g., where control variables are accessible), while others take an indirect approach by influencing external stakeholders. Some approaches provide temporary solutions (e.g. maintain the status quo in the face of disruptive events); or lead to incremental improvements while others are truly disruptive and transformative. The world is full of a bewildering number of organizations that may be relevant to your problem: government agencies, nonprofits, large corporations, etc. These organizations offer different kinds of resources and pursue different opportunities and platforms to effect change. They comply with different legal, operational, and tax regimes across different countries. Regardless of the solution approach, an effective problem statement is required.
Innovations can be developed at different levels of organizational, or technological abstraction. You can work on a organizational challenge through the United Nations, the national government, a non-profit or for-profit corporation or one-on-one. Innovations on technology challenges can be focused in different ways. For example, focused on a specific deployment, a particular type of solution architecture, or more generic technology independent frameworks. Technology innovations (e.g., Artificial intelligence) can enable the opportunity for other innovations through automating certain tasks. But these need to be applied to the context of the problem that matters. Innovations at higher levels of abstraction can have a much larger impact; but are harder to assess, iterate, and implement. Working directly with people can give you immediate feedback and a firsthand view of the human impact; but are often constrained to a smaller population.
Innovators, Innovation and transformation
Innovators have diverse motivations and incentives for engaging with particular problems. There are more reasons than there are people. For some, it is just a job; for others, maybe, it is a more lucrative job. Some love the challenge, some want to give back, while others are looking to “save” or “empower” other people. Some may engage to satisfy their ego, to earn bragging rights, or to discover the thrill and adventure of problem solving in an exotic locale.
Innovating solutions to problems that matter is not a “save-the-world mission”; but rather a rigorous, multidisciplinary, integrative discipline that requires collaboration to deliver impact. Innovator in interdisciplinary teams may share a common interest in harnessing the power of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and design to find practical and sustainable ways to improve the human condition. The may value rigorous data-driven and evidence-based approaches to create and deliver new products and services that transform ways of thinking and doing. But science, technology, mathematics and design don’t help if applied to solve the wrong problem, or people don’t adopt it. The answers for problems that matter often require attitude adjustments from various stakeholders.
Industry transformation is not about solving problems for the clients that matter, but about working with clients that focus on the problems that matter. Investors celebrate disruptive technologies for the profit they promise or fear them for the losses they could generate. What is revenue like, what are the margin structures, are there network effects, what is defensibility, how are engagement and retention numbers trending? These are all important ways to evaluate how large and valuable a business can be. However, it is particularly satisfying when a company marries strong performance with a mission to solve some of the largest problems our society faces. The age of judging companies only on their longevity is now past. Great companies solve problem that matter – new workplaces, new food sources, new medicines, etc. What problems matter to you and your clients?
Reframing the problems that matter
If you’re going to go through the hell of building an organization (whether for-profit or not), you might as well come out the other side having built something to solve a problem that matters. A big problem can be solved by solving little problems; but keep the end goal in mind. The happiest and most successful people don’t just love what they do. They are obsessed with solving an important problem, a problem that matters to them. It’s actually a lot easier to work intensely on solving a problem you are really passionate about. Take the time to identify which of the problems in the world you are passionate about solving. Life is just too short to build things that don’t make the world better.
Is your client’s problem sensitive to the way it is framed? They may not be aware of or report such sensitivities. Your client may not recognize the impact of framing their problem statement on potential problem solutions. Conversely, viable solutions may be cheaper and easier to develop if they only need to be applicable to clients within a reduced scope that can be developed through reframing the problem statement.
When developing the problem statement for your client, understanding the geographic perspective can impact the scope of the desired future state as well as constraints on viable solutions. Our free Guide to Writing Problem Statements can help you get your client program statement right.
Everyone has Client’s problems that they need to solve, but are they solving the right problem? Are you solving your best problem? Whether you are a researcher, business professional or social entrepreneur, the solutions you develop to the problems that you face matter! We’d like to hear your view of the most important challenges in writing problem statements for your clients. We have a brief survey on the most important challenges that should take less than 2 minutes to complete. The survey takes less than 2 minutes and you can get started right away by going to this link. I look forward to sharing these insights and resources with you.
A course on the use of perspective to refine problem statements is now available.
If you need help bringing the power of perspective to your client problem statement contact me.