The Problem with Problems Workbook: A Guide for Using Problem Definition as a Tool for Equity (digital download)

We often do a great job of solving the wrong problem, and sometimes, we build things that don't solve problems at all, or, even more frustrating, make the problem worse.

Why is that, and how can we remedy it?

It is extraordinarily tempting to rush through (or skip altogether) problem-definition in favor of getting to a solution and many of us have been punished for pumping the breaks on a solution-finding process in favor of wanting to more deeply understand the problem at hand. Additionally, promotions are handed out to people who look like they’re solving problems, grant and venture funding are tied to solutions, and white supremacy work culture, urgency, and white saviorism all focus on doing, not understanding. Together, these forces lead to many poorly-defined and therefore unsolved problems.

“Problem definition” sounds on the face of it like a straightforward exercise in logic, yet this activity is particularly vulnerable to inequity. So often in design work we decontextualize problems, distancing ourselves from them and obfuscating their origins. This is a form of invisible violence: at its best it ignores the impact of problems on real people and at its worst it blames people for the sins of systems. 

Equitable Problem Definition requires us to fully contextualize problems, to name clearly their origins, their manifestations in systems, institutions, and ideologies, and to identify the people that benefit from and perpetuate them, often calling us to implicate ourselves in the process. It is a form of truth-telling and when we tell the truth about the whys of things we take our power back and can take our first steps on the path towards collective liberation.

And, notably: so much time, money, and energy can be saved by getting to the root cause of problems and defining them equitably, instead of temporarily allying their symptoms only to have them cyclically resurface, oftentimes in new and more insidious ways. Though it may be a meandering process at times, equitable problem definition is the fastest way by which to create a truly, deeply effective solution.

To that end, we’ve created an equityXdesign framework – the 7 problems with problems – to help us equitably see and define problems.

Problem-definition is a powerful agent of equity and critically shapes how we understand the world. But it takes time and practice, which is why we created this workbook.

In this 65-page workbook, we’ll look in depth at the Seven Problems with Problems, common mistakes almost everyone makes when defining a problem. Using examples, prompts, and questions, we’ll guide you through the process of defining problems in all their complexity and in such a way that enables you to tackle the root causes of inequity rather than spin your wheels with superficial solutions.

Included in this workbook:

• A Problem with Problems Rubric to help you assess and improve your current articulation of a problem you’re trying to solve.
• “Thought routines” or exercises and prompts to use regularly as you build the habit of articulating problems well.
• The Problem with Problems Tracker – a set of worksheets to help you track how your understanding of a problem evolves as you work through the workbook.
• A Deconstruction Canvas, a process we developed to support you in identifying outdated and irrelevant aspects of the system you’re trying to redesign.
• Equity Design Brief – the final section that expands upon your problem definition work and supports you in creating a more complete picture of what you’re trying to redesign. This piece is critical as you transition from defining problems to exploring fresh, creative, effective ideas that address your problem.  

This workbook is for anyone who is trying to solve a problem while centering equity. This includes team members, team managers, project managers, designers, entrepreneurs, funders – anyone who is leading or supporting the creation and evolution of interventions, interactions, or institutions. 

This digital download is copyrighted and is for non-commercial use only, meaning the workbook or any of its content cannot be included in a product or service that is sold commercially.

The file may not be copied or shared in print or electronic form. Folks should come here to purchase their own copy.

If you'd like to purchase the workbook in bulk for your organization, we're offering a 10% discount if you buy 10 or more copies and a 20% discount if you buy 50 or more copies. Contact sayhello@equitymeetsdesign.com and we'll send you a custom invoice and a coupon code that you can distribute to everyone you'd like to purchase a copy for. 

If you would like to use the Problem with Problems workbook or framework in a commercial way (as part of a product or service you are selling), we are working on offering a license. Learn more here.

If you're part of an educational institution or an institution that does not pay sales tax, please email sayhello@equitymeetsdesign.com and we'll send you a tax-exempt invoice.