The Reframing Matrix

A reframing matrix is a simple technique that helps you to look at problems from a number of different viewpoints. It expands the range of creative solutions that you can generate. The approach relies on the fact that different people with different experiences approach problems in different ways. What this technique helps you to do is to put yourself into the minds of different people and imagine the descriptions of the problem or the solutions they give. We do this by putting the question to be asked in the middle of a grid. We use boxes around the grid for the different perspectives.

About the Matrix

The Reframing Matrix tool was created by Michael Morgan, and published in his 1993 book, "Creating Workforce Innovation." It helps people to look at problems from various perspectives. Using these, one can come up with more creative solutions.

The approach relies on the fact that different people with different experiences are likely to approach problems in different ways. The technique helps you put yourself into the minds of different people, imagine the way that they would face these problems, and explore the possible solutions that they might suggest.

How to Use the Technique

The Reframing Matrix is very easy to use. All you'll need is a pen and paper to get started.

Step 1: Draw the Grid.

Start by drawing a simple four-square grid, like the one pictured in figure 1 below.

Leave a space in the middle of the grid to define your problem, and then write the problem that you want to explore in this space.

Figure 1 – Reframing Matrix Step 1

Tip: The boxes around the grid are there for your different perspectives. If this four-box approach doesn't suit you, feel free to change it.

Step 2: Decide on Perspectives

Now, decide on four different perspectives to use in your matrix. Two useful approaches for doing this are the 4Ps Approach and the Professions Approach.

The 4Ps Approach helps you look at problems from the following perspectives:

• Product perspective: Is there something wrong with the product or service? Is it designed for ease of use, comfort? Is it reliable?

• Planning perspective: Are our business plans, marketing plans, or strategy at fault? Could we improve these?

• Potential perspective: How would we increase sales? If we were to seriously increase our targets or our production volumes, what would happen with this problem?

• People perspective: What are the people impacts and people implications of the problem? What do people involved with the problem think? Why are customers not using or buying the product?

(These are just some of the questions that you can ask as you look at your problem using these four perspectives.)

The Professions Approach helps you look at the problem from the viewpoints of different specialists, or stakeholders. For instance, the way a doctor looks at a problem would be different from the approach that a civil engineer or a lawyer would use. Or the way a CEO sees a problem may be different from the way an HR manager would see it.

This approach can be especially useful when you're trying to solve a problem that involves many different types of people, or if you need step away from your usual way of thinking so that you can be more creative.

Step 3: Brainstorm Factors

Finally, brainstorm factors related to your problem from each perspective, and add these into the appropriate quadrant of the matrix.

Once you've completed the matrix, you'll have a better understanding of your problem, and you'll be able to generate more solutions.

Source: http://www.mindtools.com