Introduction

Structuring techniques help overcome limitations of human problem solving. Effective structuring analysis techniques logically organize the elements of a problem to help us analyze each element separately, systematically and sufficiently. In this article you will learn one of the most powerful problem solving tool to solve real-world problems. It is called as Problem Restatement.

Problem statement that defines a problem must take causes of a problem into account. It must distinguish between problem and symptoms of the problem. The quality of the solution depends on the quality of the problem definition. This is due to the fact that analysis of a problem leads us in a certain direction towards a particular solution. Therefore defining a problem in terms of its symptoms will lead to a poor solution to the actual problem.

So it is important that we understand the difference between causes of a problem and symptoms of a problem. A problem statement that takes into account the causes of a problem makes it easier to consider and evaluate all the alternatives to a particular problem and results in a superior solution.

Example

How can I stop my headache? Vs What is the source of my headache?

First question fails to distinguish between causes and symptoms. It leads to solutions such as taking medicine, using headache balm etc. Whereas the second question leads to solutions that could address the real problem such as allergy, lack of sleep etc.

What is Problem Restatement?

Problem Restatement is a technique that is used to broaden our perspective of a problem. Redefine the problem in as many different ways as possible. The key to doing this is to get into divergent mode and generate as many restatements as possible. You must suspend your judgment during this process.

Problem restatement helps us to identify the core issues and alternative solutions. However it will not solve the problem. It only points us in the right direction and the outcome of the analysis will resolve the problem.

The poorer a problem is defined harder it becomes to redefine the problem. In such cases, we must clearly define the problem.

Most of the time restatement of a problem will uncover several problems. Sometimes it will point to a solution.

Example of Problem Restatement

Mr. Commuter got a new job in a metro area that pays $60 / hr. He commutes to work everyday and spends 40-60 minutes in driving. Mr. Commuter thinks that he has a problem because he spends 80