Finding a problem to solve
Finding a problem to solve
A framework to find your passion project
Problems, problems everywhere…
If you are like me, even thought the world is filled with problems, you are blind to these opportunities and their potential startup implications. Some people can identify these problems, but most of us need a framework to aid them in identifying and selecting these potential startup opportunities.
The issue is not just identifying a problem, but identifying one that you will be passionate about and willing to spend months, years or a lifetime working on. The goal is to make sure that the problem is worth solving, and that we are capable and willing to solve it, and that this quest will bring you joy.
We will be exploring a three-step framework designed to help you identify, analyze, and select problems to solve that are meaningful to you. By leveraging tools like the 21-day solution journal, RICE prioritization, and the Ikigai model, this guide will equip you with the strategies to discover and choose opportunities that are not only worth solving, but that will bring you happiness in doing so.
The Finding a Problem to Solve Framework
Problem Identification: The 21 Day Solution Journal
The 21 Day Solution Journal is the tool to help you identify problems as you encounter them in your everyday life. For the next three weeks commit to noting down every problem you encounter, no matter how big or small, or whether it’s at home, work or in your community. By the end of the 21 days, you will have a list of problems to analyze further and hopefully you have the problem that will bring meaning to your life.
How it works
1. For 21 days*, write down 5-10 problems you encounter each day. These could be things that annoy you, inefficiencies that you notice, or challenges that you face.
2. By the end of the 21 days, review your list and look for patterns or recurring themes. and move on to the problem analysis phase.
The idea is that by consistently observing and recording problems, you'll train yourself to be more attuned to opportunities for improvement. It's a way to generate a large quantity of potential ideas that are grounded in real problems that impact you.
*you can adjust the amount of time to more or less days, but you should keep a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 30 days in your journal.
Solution Journal Template
Entry Title: [Short description of the challenge/opportunity]
Date: [YYYY-MM-DD]
Category: [e.g., Technology, Health, Education, etc.]
Scope: [Scope, home, community]
Type: [e.g., Challenge, Opportunity]
Context: [Brief description of the situation or environment]
Description:
Details: [Detailed description of the challenge or opportunity]
Impact: [How does this challenge/opportunity affect you or others?]
Possible Solutions: [Initial thoughts on potential solutions]
RICE Measures:
Reach: [How many people are affected by this?]
Impact: [What is the potential positive impact if solved?]
Confidence: [How confident are you in your understanding of this challenge/opportunity (50% if you not sure, 80% if you are somewhat sure, 100% if you are certain?]
Effort: [How much effort would it take to address this?]
Ikigai Measures:
What You Love: (L = )[Do you feel passionate about this challenge/opportunity?]
What You're Good At: (G= ) [Do you have skills that could address this challenge/opportunity?]
What The World Needs: (W = )[Is this something that the world needs or could benefit from?]
What You Can Be Paid For: (P = ) [Is there economic viability in solving this challenge/opportunity?]
Reflection:
Reflection Notes: [Any other thoughts or insights]
Scoring:
RICE Score Calculation:
RICE Score=Reach × Impact × Confidence / Effort
Ikigai Score Calculation:
Ikigai Score = L + G + W + P
Total Score Calculation:
Total Score = RICE Score + Ikigai Score
Problem Analysis
The solution journal will have walked you through the process of identifying and scoring your potential candidates using RICE prioritization and Ikigai criteria and provided you with a total score to help you rank the problems that matter the most to you.
Analyzing Your List
Identify High Scoring Problems: Look for problems that score high in both RICE and Ikigai. These are likely to be impactful, feasible, and personally meaningful.
Look for Patterns: See if there are any common themes or categories among the high-scoring problems. This can help you focus your efforts on a specific area.
Consider Feasibility: Ensure that the problems you are most interested in are also feasible given your resources, skills, and time.
Assess Passion and Joy: Reflect on whether these problems excite you and bring you joy. Long-term projects require sustained motivation.
Problem Selection: RICE and Ikigai
In this phase your are going to select the top 3 problems based on the total score from the Solution Journal.
Things to think about while analyzing:
Which are the 2-3 problems that rank highest using the RICE prioritization criteria?
Which are the 2-3 problems that rank highest using the Ikigai criteria?
Do you see yourself working on this project 6 months, or +1 years from now?
Selecting the problems to solve with the highest total score, ensures that the problems you choose are not only worth solving but that they also align with your passions and strengths and will ultimately bring your joy. Narrowing down your focus will allow you to channel your energy and resources effectively, increasing your chances of success.
An Example : from problems to solutions
Problem Identification: During the 21-day challenge, you noted a recurring issue with public transportation in your city being unreliable and causing delays. This affects thousands of commuters daily, leading to lost productivity and frustration.
Analysis: You scored this problem using the RICE and Ikigai measures:
RICE Measures:
Reach: High (9) - This problem affects thousands of commuters daily.
Impact: High (8) - Improving transportation can significantly enhance daily lives.
Confidence: Moderate (7) - You have some understanding of the transportation system.
Effort: High (5) - Requires significant resources and coordination.
RICE Score Calculation:
RICE Score = Reach × Impact × Confidence / Effort
RICE Score = 9 × 8 × 7 / 5 = 100.8
Ikigai Measures:
What You Love (L): High (9) - Passionate about urban development and technology.
What You're Good At (G): High (8) - Background in software development and engineering.
What The World Needs (W): High (8) - Efficient transportation is crucial for city life.
What You Can Be Paid For (P): Moderate (6) - Potential for funding and support through a tech startup.
Ikigai Score Calculation:
Ikigai Score = 𝐿 + 𝐺 + 𝑊 + 𝑃
Ikigai Score = 9 + 8 + 8 + 6 = 31
Total Score Calculation:
Total Score = RICE Score + Ikigai Score
Total Score = 100.8 + 31 = 131.8
Conclusion
Finding the right problem to solve is a journey that requires introspection, research, and strategic analysis. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from identification and analysis to selection and practical application—you can ensure that the problems you choose to tackle are not only impactful but also aligned with your passions and strengths. Embrace the process, and you'll be well on your way to making a meaningful difference in the world.