Problem Analysis
Find the root causes
Solving the wrong problem is the costliest innovation mistake. We use 11 proven methods — from Socratic Questioning to Systems Mapping — to define the real challenge before designing solutions. Each method has physical and online tooling available, and we often combine or custom-design exercises for your context.
Our Problem Analysis Methods
Socratic Questioning
Empathy Mapping
Personas
Customer and User Journey
Assumption Mapping
Stakeholder Mapping
Systems Mapping
Causal Loop Diagrams
Root Cause Mapping
The Iceberg Model
Custom Brainstorming
See It In Action
Let's Create Together
Ready to define the right problem?
Tell us about your challenge and we'll explore how our problem analysis methods can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why start with problem analysis instead of jumping to solutions?
As Yale's Industrial Engineering Department famously stated: "If I had only one hour to solve a problem, I would spend up to two-thirds of that hour in attempting to define what the problem is." Getting the diagnosis wrong is the most expensive mistake in innovation — it wastes resources on solutions that don't address the real issue.
How do you decide which methods to use for our project?
We look at your context — the stakeholder landscape, data availability, project timeline and organisational culture — then design a custom brainstorming session combining the most effective methods. Sometimes we invent entirely new exercises tailored to your situation.
Can sessions be run remotely?
Yes. Every method in our toolbox has both physical and online tooling available. We've facilitated fully remote, hybrid and in-person sessions — each with the same methodological rigour.
What happens after the problem analysis?
Problem analysis feeds directly into our other innovation services — typically Ideation or Design Sprints. The output is a clear problem definition, stakeholder map and priority list that guides solution design.