How Great Designers Tackle Unknowns: My Framework To Deal With Complex Product Problems
Struggling with Complex Product Problems? Use This Proven Framework to Break Them Down and Find Clear Solutions
1 min read6 days ago
A Proven Framework for Solving Complex Product Challenges
1. Break Down the Problem Systematically
- Tackling complex product design problems becomes easier when structured into clear, actionable steps.
- Shift from overwhelm to confidence by deconstructing the challenge into 6 factors: goal, audience, location, impact, request, and timeframe.
2. Identify Unknowns & Focus Your Research
- When facing ambiguous design prompts, treat missing details as unknowns and use research methods, user interviews, and data analysis to gather insights.
- Proactively filling gaps ensures informed decision-making and user-centered solutions.
3. Define Clear Deliverables & Constraints
- To maintain focus, establish tangible outcomes (e.g., a web app prototype, case study, or feature proposal) and set realistic deadlines (e.g., a 7-day design sprint). Clear constraints prevent scope creep and streamline execution.
