A problem space is a framework for defining a problem and finding a solution.

In this lesson, you'll

learn more about the problem space and the multiple stages in the process that goes into finding a
problem's solution.

The Problem Space

It's the day before your best friend's birthday and the gift you've ordered her still has not arrived.
What are you going to do?

Most likely, when you realize the present isn't going to make it in time, you will identify another gift
you can purchase at a local store, set aside time to stop by the store, make the purchase, get it
wrapped and deliver it without her ever realizing there was a problem.

Whether you understood it or not, there was a clearly defined process you went through when you
realized her birthday gift wasn't going to be delivered in time. That area is something known as a
problem space.

A problem space is all the various components that go into creating a resolution for a problem. Think
of it like a frame, which acts as something of a border to help define an area. A problem space helps
you or, on a larger scale, a business, figure out what the problem is, work through ways to correct
them and then drives implementation of the appropriate solution. The ultimate purpose is to take
corrective action for some identified problem.

Inside of the problem space, there are three main stages. Let's look at those more closely.

Stages of the Problem Space

1. Defining the Problem

The first stage in a problem space is a definition ; that is, defining exactly what the problem is. A
problem may be as simple as an employee who has called off work for the evening, leaving you
short-handed. Or, it may be more complicated, such as trying to figure out why your last quarter's
sales have hit a slump. Whatever the problem is, it's going to take some thinking through it and
brainstorming to determine the real culprit.

To define the problem, there are a few important steps. First, brainstorm and talk through what the
underlying problem is. You may know this easily, or it may be more complicated. Chat about all
possible angles, focusing more on the true problem and not getting caught up in symptoms. For
example, an employee's poor job performance at work may be a symptom of an underlying problem
such as being understaffed.

Next, consider the possible causes of this problem. It may be something to do with business
processes or lack of resources. Follow that up by collecting information from key players, including
any people, teams or departments affected by the problem. This is all about mining for data.
2. Identifying and Testing Solutions
Once you have done satisfactory research in clearly defining the problem, it's time to move on to the
next stage, which involves identification and testing .

Start by considering your problem and brainstorming ideas that will help solve the problem. Really,
there's no wrong answer at this stage. Consider all suggestions, weighed against your constraints
(such as budget restrictions) and write them down.

Select the best few solutions and test them. In this step, you're looking for whether the solution is
workable, feasible and flexible. Prioritize the most likely solutions first, evaluate them and then
perform a trial run.

For example, if you determine that your workplace problem is understaffing, consider solutions such
as restructuring the staff schedule, investing in more help, hiring from a temp agency or a host of
other ideas.