Embedded Files
Defining A Problem, Need or Opportunity
Defining A Problem, Need or Opportunity
Need Vs Opportunity
Need Vs Opportunity
A need is the development of a new solution that responds to an existing and identified problem. It is reactive. For example, it might be developing a solution that allows a user to complete a specific task that is currently difficult or time-consuming and could be automated.
An opportunity is the development of a new solution for a problem that doesn't exist or that people have not thought of as yet. It is proactive. When developing a solution to take advantage of an opportunity, you are creating a product for a prospective user (and their likely needs).
Here is an example that Uber might have used when defining the problem for their solution:
People need a better way of getting to where they want to go
There aren’t enough convenient transportation options available
It is tedious to call and schedule a cab or driver to pick you up when you want to go somewhere
Personal problems and needs
Personal problems and needs
History shows that most innovative software appeared out of personal needs when a person got tired of dealing with the same problem, found nothing to solve it, and created the solution to it.
Reflect on your day-to-day. Often the best ideas come from one’s own experiences. Think about what you do in your typical day and identify things that could be improved. Have you ever said "I wish there was an app / product / website for this"?
Global problems and needs
Global problems and needs
In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals (officially known as the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs).
These goals have the power to create a better world by 2030, by ending poverty, fighting inequality and addressing the urgency of climate change.
Guided by the goals, it is now up to all of us, governments, businesses, civil society and the general public to work together to build a better future for everyone.
Inspiration from existing technologies and platforms
Inspiration from existing technologies and platforms
Get inspired and explore emerging technologies and platforms. As new technologies and platforms emerge and evolve, new opportunities arise. Your can explore some platforms such as:
https://www.instructables.com/
https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en
https://teachablemachine.withgoogle.com/
Remember - an innovative solution does not need to be completely new.
Think about re-purposing, or upgrading existing solutions.
Re-purposing involve taking an existing model or solution and adapting it to meet a newly idenfied need or opportunity. Just look at DogVacay, so-called Airbnb for dogs!
Upgrading is usually done by building a better solution possessing higher speed and performance, and/or offering new, useful features. You might turn a specific feature of some application into a single, standalone product.
Step 2. Possible solutions
Step 2. Possible solutions
Now change your focus from the problem, need or opportunity to possible solutions.
Your possible solution should be very basic at this stage - a single sentence. Don't worry about scope, constraints, solution requirements - that will all come later.
Ideas are born when we match problems with solutions.
Note that it is hard to come up with a great solution to a problem without research - this is why you should also be exploring the available technologies for your solution.
Please be respectful of the ideas of your other group members and don’t be overly critical about their ideas.
Sometimes a 'bad' idea - can inspire 'great' ideas.
Page updated
Report abuse