How to Validate a Problem Lineage

1. Validate a Problem Lineage hierarchy.
2. Validate a Problem Lineage's desires.

How to Validate a Problem Lineage Hierarchy

1. Ask Why does/do [sentient entity] want [thing] [potential state]? on all descendent problem and ensure all ancestor problems are plausible answers. If this is not the case, continue to traverse the Problem Lineage or remove unrelated problems from the lineage.
2. Ask How could/can [thing] [potential state]? on all ancestor problems and ensure all descendent problems are plausible answers. If this is not the case, continue to traverse the Problem Lineage or remove unrelated problems from the lineage.

How to Validate a Problem Lineage's Desires

Validating a Problem Lineage's desires is how you avoid wasting time. It is also the activity that turns potential problems (solutions) into problems because the sentient entity’s desires go from potential to real.

To validate a Problem Lineage's Desires:

1. Write a questions for each problem or potential problem using this formula: Does\Do [sentient entity] truly want [thing] [potential state]?
2. Answer each by gathering evidence—likely through interviewing the sentient entity (an individual or someone with authority to speak on behalf of a group of people).
3. If you invalidate the desire, the problem no longer exists and can be removed from the lineage.