Lecture: Are You Solving the Right Problem?

Key Concepts

• Einstein's Approach to Problem Solving

  • Emphasizes spending significant time defining the problem before attempting solutions.

• Common Issues in Organizations

  • Lack of rigorous problem definition leads to wasted resources and misaligned innovation efforts.
  • Innovation projects may yield breakthroughs that are irrelevant or unimplementable.

• Challenge-Driven Innovation at InnoCentive

  • Process involves defining business, technical, social, and policy issues as challenges.
  • Engages a global community of experts to solve these challenges.
  • Success rates have increased over time due to better problem definition.

Problem-Definition Process

• Importance of Rigorous Problem Definition

  • Essential for aligning the solution with organizational strategy.
  • Helps in allocating appropriate resources to the problem.

• Four-Step Process for Problem Definition

  1. Establish the Need for a Solution
     • Clearly articulate the basic need and desired outcome.
  2. Frame the Problem
     • Define the scope and articulate the problem in simple terms.
  3. Determine Strategic Fit
     • Ensure the problem aligns with organizational goals and mission.
  4. Outline Resources and Constraints
     • Discuss potential resources needed and constraints that might affect the solution.

Case Study: EnterpriseWorks/VITA (EWV)

• Objective: Expand access to clean drinking water in developing countries.

• Problem Champion: Jon Naugle, with extensive experience in rural development.

• Problem Statement: Access to clean water must be affordable and convenient.

• Solution: Low-cost rainwater storage system suitable for household use.

• Process Highlights

  • Identified rainwater harvesting as a viable solution.
  • Shifted focus to design a low-cost storage solution due to limitations of previous methods.
  • Engaged InnoCentive to find innovative solutions from a wide range of experts.

Developing a Successful Solution

• Important Considerations

  • Solution must be low-cost and easily transportable.
  • Must engage local entrepreneurs for manufacturing and distribution.

• Outcome

  • Developed a two-bag rainwater storage device.
  • Successful field testing and deployment in Uganda.
  • Target: Expanded availability in multiple countries within five years.

Conclusion

• Lessons Learned

  • Rigorous problem definition can lead to innovative and successful solutions.
  • Organizations benefit by developing the skills to ask the right questions and define problems effectively.

• Key Takeaway

  • Better question-asking and problem-defining skills lead to strategic advantages and improved business performance.