How to Traverse a Problem Lineage

  1. Learn what a problem is.
  2. Learn what a solution is.
  3. Identify a problem to find an opportunity.
  4. Traverse up its lineage to understand motivations.
  5. Traverse down its lineage to discover solutions.

How to Identify a Problem

  1. Recognize an expression of desire.
    ex. Sally says, "I wish John's car was properly maintained."
  2. Write it down using one of these formulas:
    • For Problems: [Sentient entity] want(s) [thing] [potential state].
    • For Potential Problems (Solutions): [Sentient entity] could want(s) [thing] [potential state].

Problem Lineage Example

  • Sally wants John's car to be properly maintained.
Icon Reference:
  • = Initially Identified Problem

How to Traverse Up the Lineage to an Ancestor Problem

  1. Write a question using this formula: Why does/do [sentient entity] want [thing] [potential state]?
  2. Identify an ancestor problem in the answer.

Problem Lineage Example

  • Sally wants her family to find it easy to arrive at important places on time.
    • Sally wants John's car to run smoothly.
      Why does Sally want John’s car to run smoothly? Answer is the ancestor problem above.
      • Sally wants John's car to be properly maintained.
        Why does Sally want John’s car to be properly maintained? Answer is the ancestor problem above.
Icon Reference:
  • = Ancestor Problem
  • = Question
  • = Initially Identified Problem

The more you traverse up from any problem in the lineage, the better you will understand the motivations behind the initial problem. Also, the higher up you go, the more inspirational and less actionable the desires you find will be.

How to Traverse Down the Lineage to a Descendent Problem

  1. Write a question using this formula: How could/can [thing] [potential state]?
  2. Identify a descendent problem in the answer.

Problem Lineage Example

  • Sally wants John's car to be properly maintained.
    How could John’s car be properly maintained? Answer is the descendent problem below.
    • John could want to create a car maintenance schedule.
Icon Reference:
  • = Initially Identified Problem
  • = Question
  • = Descendent Problem

The more you traverse down from any problem in the lineage, the more thorough your options will become. Also, the further down you go, the more actionable and less inspirational the desires you find will be.

Table of Contents