--- title: Problem Statement Brainstorm description: An IdeaScale Whiteboard facilitator guide for Problem Statement Board --- [Skip to content](https://help.ideascale.com/problem-statement-guide#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [![IdeaScale](https://help.ideascale.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ideascale-logo.png?width=223&height=31&name=ideascale-logo.png)](https://help.ideascale.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Go to ideascale.com](https://ideascale.com/) [Go to ideascale.com](https://ideascale.com/) Hi!👋 How can we help you today? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [IdeaScale Support Center](https://help.ideascale.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [IdeaScale Whiteboard](https://help.ideascale.com/ideascale-whiteboard?hsLang=en) 3. [Facilitator Guides](https://help.ideascale.com/ideascale-whiteboard?hsLang=en#facilitator-guides) # Problem Statement Brainstorm ## An IdeaScale Whiteboard facilitator guide for Problem Statement Board The Problem Statement Board serves as our collaborative platform for developing a Problem Statement Matrix. This tool will enable us to systematically document customer challenges, emphasizing their experiences, obstacles, and emotional responses. ![29](https://help.ideascale.com/hs-fs/hubfs/29.webp?width=670&height=326&name=29.webp) **Brainstorming Objectives:** - To deeply understand customer challenges by exploring their experiences and emotions. - To empathize with customers and gain insights into their unmet needs. - To frame problems in a structured way to facilitate solution finding. --- ### **Timing:** 75 minutes [Introduction - 10 Minutes](https://help.ideascale.com/problem-statement-guide#intro) [Brainstorming Instructions - 55 Minutes](https://help.ideascale.com/problem-statement-guide#brainstorm) [Adjourn - 10 Minutes](https://help.ideascale.com/problem-statement-guide#adjourn) [Tips for Facilitators](https://help.ideascale.com/problem-statement-guide#tips) --- ### **Introduction (10 minutes)** - Welcome participants and emphasize the importance of customer-centricity. - Briefly introduce yourself and the purpose of the workshop. - Set the stage: "Today, we're diving deep into customer challenges to better understand their needs and pain points." - Explain the Problem Statement Matrix and its components: "I am...", "I'm trying to...", "But...", "Because...", "Which makes me feel..." - Provide examples to illustrate how the matrix works. --- ### **Brainstorming Instructions (55 minutes)** - **Activity 1: Persona Definition (10 minutes)** - - If you haven't already, clearly define the customer persona(s) you'll be focusing on. - Use the whiteboard to capture key characteristics of the persona(s). - **Activity 2: Challenge Exploration (30 minutes)** - - Divide participants into smaller groups (if applicable). - Assign each group a specific customer persona or aspect of the customer journey. - Instruct them to brainstorm customer challenges and fill out the Problem Statement Matrix on the whiteboard using digital sticky notes. - Encourage them to consider various scenarios and perspectives. - **Activity 3: Sharing and Synthesis (15 minutes)** - - Have each group present their completed matrix to the larger group. - Facilitate a discussion to identify patterns, prioritize challenges, and discuss potential solutions. - Use the whiteboard to capture key insights and action items. --- ### **Adjourn (10 minutes)** - Summarize the key customer challenges identified. - Highlight the emotional impact of these challenges. - Discuss how these insights will inform future product development or service improvements. - Thank participants for their empathy and contributions. --- ### **Tips for Facilitators** - **Emphasize empathy:** Encourage participants to put themselves in the customers' shoes. - **Focus on the "why":** Dig deeper to understand the root causes of customer challenges. - **Capture the emotional aspect:** Pay attention to the "Which makes me feel..." section of the matrix. - **Use visuals:** Incorporate images or icons on the whiteboard to represent customer emotions or scenarios. - **Promote active listening:** Create a safe space for participants to share and discuss their perspectives. --- This Problem Statement Matrix brainstorm framework will help you guide a customer-centric and insightful session. Remember to adapt the timing and activities based on your specific needs and the complexity of the customer journey. 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