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You cannot begin to work on solutions until you have a clear definition of the problem and goals you want to achieve. This critical first stage of the design process requires that you effectively communicate with the \"client\" or whoever has the \"problem\" that needs solving. Poor communication at this stage can derail a project from the start.<\/p>\n
For our purposes, we will use Barry Hyman\u2019s Problem Formulation model\u00a0[footnote]B. Hyman, \u201cCh. 2: Problem formulation,\u201d in Fundamentals of Engineering Design<\/em>, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002, pp. 40-54.[\/footnote] to clearly define a problem. Hyman\u2019s Problem Formulation model consists of 4 elements:<\/p>\n\n This model can apply to a communications task as well as more physical design tasks. Imagine your communications task as something that will solve a problem or improve a situation. Before you begin drafting this document or presentation, define the problem you want to solve with this document:<\/p>\n\n EXERCISE 1.2 Define a problem<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n In the workplace, many of the communications tasks you perform are designed to solve a problem or improve a situation. Whether you are doing work for a client, for your employer, with your team, or for someone else, you will typically use some sort of design process to tackle and solve the problem. A clearly-articulated design process provides you with a clear, step-by-step plan for finding the best solution for your situation.<\/p>\n Take a moment to search the Internet for the term \u201cdesign process\u201d and look at \u201cimages.\u201d You will find many variations. Have a look at several of them and see if you can find a common pattern.<\/p>\n One commonality you will likely find in examining other people\u2019s design process diagrams is this: the first step in designing any solution is to clearly define the problem<\/strong>. Figure 1.1.1<\/strong> shows NASA’s basic design process. Think about the kind of communication that each step of this process might entail.<\/p>\n You cannot begin to work on solutions until you have a clear definition of the problem and goals you want to achieve. This critical first stage of the design process requires that you effectively communicate with the “client” or whoever has the “problem” that needs solving. Poor communication at this stage can derail a project from the start.<\/p>\n For our purposes, we will use Barry Hyman\u2019s Problem Formulation model\u00a0[2]<\/sup><\/a> to clearly define a problem. Hyman\u2019s Problem Formulation model consists of 4 elements:<\/p>\n This model can apply to a communications task as well as more physical design tasks. Imagine your communications task as something that will solve a problem or improve a situation. Before you begin drafting this document or presentation, define the problem you want to solve with this document:<\/p>\n Keep in mind that the document you produce is evaluated in terms of how well it responds to the “problem” — that is, how well it meets the overall goal and demonstrates achievement of specific objectives while abiding by constraints.<\/p>\n EXERCISE 1.2 Define a problem<\/p>\n<\/header>\n Think of a problem or an “unsatisfactory situation” that you have recently experienced.\u00a0 It could be as simple as it’s 8pm, I haven’t had dinner yet, and I’m hungry<\/strong>. Use Hymen’s Problem Formulation schema to formally define the problem — without proposing any particular solutions. Your problem definition should ideally allow a multitude of possible solutions that adhere to the following:<\/p>\n Download and use the attached Problem Definition Template (.docx)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \t
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