Problem tree

A problem tree is a tool to clarify the hierarchy of problems addressed by the team within a design project; it represents high level problems or related sublevel problems.

Duration: 120m - 240m
Participants: Any
Difficulty:  Low
Digital Society Schoolby 

Goal

To have an overview of the problems faced.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm a list of design problems and write them down.

2. Sort the list by importance or degree of abstraction.

3. Write down the main problem close to the core branch, write the sublevel problems as branches of the problems they are related to.

NOTE

It might help to write down each problem on a small piece of paper, so you can shuffle them easily. The hierarchy could be from important to less important, or abstract to practical.

OUTPUT

An overview of which problems are at the core of a project, and which are concrete.

NEXT

Solve the problems, try to start with core problems. If this isn’t possible, go further into a sub level.

Attachments

  • Problem tree cover image.PNG

Background

Source: Digital Society School

REFERENCE

HOVLAND, Ingie. Successful Communication. A Toolkit for Researchers and Civil Society Organisations. London: Overseas Development Institute, 2005./

0 Ratings 

No ratings yet.

0 Comments

Please Log in or Sign up for a FREE SessionLab account to continue.