QUESTION 1

Choose the correct answer.

In considering where the weight of effort should go in solving a problem in one hour Einstein said he would spend ___ minutes on defining the problem and ___ minutes finding the solution.

15 and 45
30 and 30
45 and 15
55 and 5

Check my answer!

Correct! Einstein emphasized the importance of problem solving by saying he would use almost all of his one hour to define a problem.

Unfortunately, that’s not correct. Hint: He recommended that more time be spent on defining the problem.

QUESTION 2

Choose the best answer.

Good problem definition is mostly about:

Starting with a single solution in mind
Ruling out solutions that do not work
Finding the underlying reasons for why a problem occurs
Identifying a range of new solutions that might work better

Check my answer!

Correct! Digging deeper to really understand all the dimensions of the problem is the basis for creating sound solutions.

Unfortunately, that’s not correct. Hint: Ask yourself - “what would Einstein do?”

QUESTION 3

Choose all that apply

Poorly defined problems can lead to:

Developing solutions that don’t work
Wasted time and resources
Loss of team morale
Ineffectual or under-performing collaborations
Reinforcement of general distrust of government policies and programs

Check my answer!

Correct! There’s a risk all of these problems can arise

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!

Unfortunately, that’s not correct. There’s more problems that can arise.
Option 3:Incorrect! When practicing human-centered design, we would first want to research and consider how people experience the problem before we develop a potential solution to test.

QUESTION 4

Choose the best answer.

Articulating root causes is a structured approach to identifying the underlying causal factors that enables you to focus on the real drivers of a problem.
Articulating root causes is a structured approach to identifying multiple problems that could be solved by the same solution.

Check my answer!

Correct! By articulating root causes you are better able to address the problem at its source.

Sorry, that’s not correct. While some solutions might address multiple problems, articulating root causes is focused on better understanding the problem.

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!

QUESTION 5

Choose the correct answer.

Aside from determining “who” you are seeking to help, the most powerful question in developing a good problem definition statement is:

What
When
Where
Why
How

Check my answer!

Correct! As a guide you should ask “why” at least 5 times to realise a good problem definition statement.

Unfortunately, that’s not correct. There’s an even better question to keep you driving down to the source of the problem.

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!

QUESTION 6

True or false

The only thing you have to focus on when defining a problem is the analysis of relevant data.

True
False

Check my answer!

Correct! Data, research and collaboration can be combined to ensure you understand a problem as it’s experienced by people and to pool resources that can expand the scope of possible responses to it.

Sorry, that’s not correct. Data is vital but there’s more you should think about.

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!

QUESTION 7

Choose the correct answer.

The end goal of the problem definition process is to arrive at a definition that is:

simple and low cost
specific and actionable
reasonable and inclusive
desirable and collaborative

Check my answer!

Correct! It;s all about getting clear about the problem you are trying to address and what action you can take with available resources.

Sorry, that’s not correct. Good problem definition can have these characteristics, and can lead you to solutions with these characteristics, but mostly it’s focused on a good description of what could be realistically done with resources you have.

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!

QUESTION 8

Choose the correct answer.

In the “slow elevator problem” the failure to ______ the problem led to suggesting a mechanical solution of “great expense” that was subsequently found to be avoidable.

reframe
research
reverse
reduce

Check my answer!

Correct! Thinking about the problem differently - sometimes inspired by talking to and observing the people who experience it - can help you find problem definitions that lead to innovative solutions

Unfortunately, that’s not correct. Hint: Maybe they just needed to think about the problem from another perspective.

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!

QUESTION 9

Choose all that apply

In reviewing your list of problem definitions to arrive at the one you will pursue you should consider:

the problems and root causes that are solvable by you
the problems and root causes that are solvable by you if you work with a coalition of partners
the problems that are going to be too big for you to address
the problems that are too far outside your jurisdiction

Check my answer!

Correct! All of these are good things to think about and can help you eliminate problems you can’t respond to effectively and focus on the ones you can.

Sorry - there’s more that you should weigh up when thinking about which problem definition to settle on

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!

QUESTION 10

Choose the correct answer.

One of the key challenges in problem definition is the “constant temptation” to articulate _____ rather than a particular problem.

root causes
assumptions
success metrics
solutions

Check my answer!

Correct! As much as we try we all fall victim to this at times. Testing your problem definition with others can help you avoid this common pitfall.

Sorry, that’s not correct. This is a good temptation to have!

You're right but there's more to this answer. Please try again!