In Module 6, we will ideate to come up with multiple solution-alternatives for the chosen problem, prioritize promising solutions over others, shortlist the most-promising solution for prototyping, and come up with a solution one-pager to clearly articulate our solution to the identified problem statement.

Overview: Once the point-of-view / problem statement is clear, it is time to come up with one or more ways of solving the identified problem.  The first solution idea that comes to mind may not necessarily be the best solution to the problem.  So, it helps to come up with as many ways of solving the problem as possible.  This approach of generating many ideas is called "Divergent Thinking".  Brainstorming technique uses divergent-thinking to generate many ideas in a group.  The solution ideas we come up in this step may be simple or complex, effective or not so effective, feasible or not so feasible, cost more or cost less.  However, we do not judge or eliminate any ideas at this stage.   

Example: In the chalk-dust example, the point-of-view (or problem statement) we came up in an earlier step was:

"Students, teachers, cleaning staff, and parents need a way to minimize or eliminate chalk dust in the classroom because chalk-dust causes short-term allergies and poses long-term health hazards".

The key point is "minimize or eliminate chalk dust".   We use mind-map tool to identify various solution-alternatives that can minimize or eliminate chalk dust in the classroom.  See below:

Exercise: Use Mind Map tool to identify various solution-alternatives that can address the identified problem statement.

Overview:  We have identified multiple solution-alternatives in the previous step.  However, not all solution-alternatives may be effective nor feasible.  In this step, we prioritize the ones that are most effective in addressing the problem, and filter out the rest.  This approach of narrowing-down the number of solutions from a larger set of solution-ideas generated earlier is called "Convergent Thinking".  

Tool:  Prioritization Grid is an XY chart where X-axis represents the effectiveness of the solution in addressing the problem, and Y-axis represents the cost of implementing the solution.  We position the various solution-alternatives at different coordinates on the XY chart depending on their effectiveness and cost (of implementation).  Those solutions that are most effective (ones on the right-side of the chart) in addressing the problem-statement are shortlisted, while the remaining ones (ones on the left-side of the chart) and filtered out and dropped from further consideration. 

Example:  In the chalk-dust example, we position the various solution-alternatives on the Prioritization Grid and shortlist the most effective solutions (vacuum duster, white board, chalk marker, face mask, and water spray & wiper duster) for the next step, while dropping the remaining ones (exhaust fan, roller duster and air ionizer) from further consideration.  See below:

Exercise: Use Prioritization Grid to position the various solution-alternatives on an XY-chart and shortlist the ones that are most effective in addressing the problem.

Overview: The Prioritization Grid in the previous step enabled us to narrow-down the solution-alternatives to a fewer promising ones and filter out the rest.   Now, we need to shortlist the "most promising" solution-alternative for the next step, i.e., prototyping.  For this, we need to evaluate the remaining solution-alternatives against a set of criteria and shortlist one.

Tool:  Decision Matrix enables us to evaluate multiple solution-alternatives against a set of evaluation criteria and assign a score to each solution being considered.  The scores for each solution are then added up to arrive at the total score.  The solution-alternative with the highest score is considered as the most-promising solution.  The most-promising solution is taken up for prototyping.   Optionally, we can use a weighted decision-matrix if we wish to assign different weights to different evaluation criteria.  In a weighted decision-matrix, the weights are multiplied by the scores and then added to arrive at the total score.

Example: In the chalk-dust example, we use a simple Decision Matrix to evaluate the four most effective solution-alternatives against the following criteria: effectiveness, ease-of-use, innovativeness and cost.  We then shortlist the solution with the highest score (i.e., vacuum duster with a score of 17) for prototyping.  See below:

Exercise: Use the Decision Matrix to shortlist the most promising solution for prototyping.

Overview:  We have now shortlisted a solution for prototyping.  Before we get to prototyping, we need to clearly articulate what the solution is, how does it work, how does it address the user's need or problem, which users' need does it address, and what are its benefits to the users.

Tool:  The Solution One-Pager allows us to capture important details of our solution in a clear and concise way.  By forcing us to articulate the need, problem or challenge being addressed, the users whose problems are being addressed, the solution being proposed to address the problem, and the benefits of the solution to the users, the Solution One-Pager helps us gain clarity before we implement it as a prototype.

Example: In the chalk-dust example, we use the Solution One-Pager template to articulate important details of the shortlisted solution - including its name, need / problem / challenge being addressed, brief description of the solution, users, and benefits of the solution.  See below:

Exercise: Fill up the Solution One-Pager for the most promising solution you have shortlisted in the previous step.

1. Use Mind Mapping tool to come up with 3 to 5 solution-alternatives that can address the problem-statement defined in Activity #4.

2. Narrow-down the solution-alternatives to ones that are worth pursuing using Prioritization Grid.

3. Shortlist the most promising solution using Decision Matrix.

4. Use the Solution One-pager template to detail out the most promising solution.

Please complete ANY ONE of the following two challenges: