In section 1, you learned about why problem structuring matters, how to rethink what a problem is, and how to categorize a problem and prepare your problem situation for problem structuring. This section will introduce tools for applying problem structuring methods to your specific situation.
Problem structuring tools help us systematically reduce a complex problem situation into understandable components. Just like cleaning up our desk before working, we organize what we know, see how it fits together, and use that information to choose an intervention.
Problem structuring provides a selection of tools, each of which helps with different tasks in structuring complex problems. You don’t have to use them in order. It is best to select the tools that are most relevant to your needs, rather than working through unnecessary steps.
Jaimogal (2024). Problem identification icon mark in filled style. Shutterstock.
Anatolir (2023). Touch target icon outline vector Person team Computer online. Freepik. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/problem-identification-icon-mark-filled-style-2486097945https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/vector-black-icon-personal-solution-1414333034https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/touch-target-icon-outline-vector-person-team-computer-online_77270353.htm
In this section you will learn how to:
| Clarify the situation |
| Identify the potential problem(s) |
| Select a problem that has a plausible intervention |
