Defining big question: How can you use the research and insight you have gathered from the empathy stage to articulate your issue better?

Step 1. Research synthesis

• Begin to identify user pain points and reoccurring issues that were brought up through the empathizing stage. Begin to notice needs and patterns in your observations.

Step 2. Define your problem

• After you have synthesized your research, begin creating a statement that encapsulates your issue and its impacts on the user. It may help to write out an actual statement. For example: ice cream drips down cones when it melts, which impacts users because they are irritated by the sticky mess on their hands. 

Step 3. Think about what criteria make solving this problem successful

• Think about what would change if this problem was solved and what the benefits would look like. Imagine a space or scenario where this problem no longer exists.