A framework for software engineering teams, built based on book "Are Your Lights On?" by Donald C. Gause and Gerald M. Weinberg.

<aside> ℹ️ The framework is also available as digital whiteboard template (FigJam).

Read more on https://www.practicalengineering.management/p/the-problem-solving-framework

</aside>

The 8-steps of problem solving

Answer these questions to frame your problem:

• [ ] 1) Recognizing the problem (What’s a problem?)
• [ ] 2) Defining the problem (What are the facts behind the problem?)
• [ ] 3) Exploring the problem's depths (What are root causes of the problem?)
• [ ] 4) Identifying stakeholders (Who have the problem?)
• [ ] 5) Assessing the willingness to solve (Is it worth solving the problem? Is it aligned with broader goals and strategy?)
• [ ] 6) Developing solution strategies (What are options for solving problems? Which are the optimal ones?)
• [ ] 7) Implementing the solution
• [ ] 8) Monitoring and reviewing (Are success metrics defined and achieved through the solution?)

Your problem, detailed view

1) The problem 🤔

<aside> 💡 Recognize and state the problem clearly. Here you acknowledge that a problem exists. This step doesn't necessarily require understanding the problem in depth but recognizing that something needs attention.

</aside>

General info about the problem, suggested initial solution you got from PM or other stakeholders, etc.:

• ...
• ...