DES100 - Define Phase

Brainstorm

From my observations and empathy conversations in the Discovery Phase, I analysed different aspects of my problem space by categorising them. Sorting through my findings enabled me to find common occurrences among my users and the different types. The Discovery Phase also presented unexpected results, which helped me think about the root of these people's problems.

User Statements

The next step was to create a few statements that put me in the position of different users, accurately identifying various target markets, what their wants are and what impact it would have on them. The statements served as a foundation for me to find a solution to these possible problems.

HMW (How Might We) Statements

These HMW statements encouraged me to think of the possible ways that could solve Andrew's cooking problem. Creating these HMW statements was quite challenging as they had to be broad enough to allow me to think of multiple solutions and specific enough so that I had an objective to reach. The initial brainstorm and user statements aided in creating these questions below, as I was able to substitute Andrew into the multiple scenarios and combine different problems that occurred in other people with all the outcomes he may want. Using Andrew in these statements ensures that my future solution will address his problem and it is specific to him, as opposed to referring to the population in general. During this activity, I already began to ideate different solution pathways which meant that my statements fit the criteria of being not too broad and specific at the same time.

AEIOU Framework

For this framework, I further categorised Andrew's problem by the activities, environment, interactions, objects, and users involved when trying to decide or cook a meal.

Mind Map

Throughout the Define Phase, I have noticed commonalities between the different users that apply to Andrew's problems. Using the shared attributes, I created a mind map that organised all of them to help me visualise the different themes within cooking. This was probably the most challenging and time consuming part for me as I strugged to categorise everything and I had to think further about my topic to come up with more ideas for each one.

Conclusion

In doing these activities, I gained a deeper insight into my problem space of cooking.

From these, we discussed and identified the causes of why Andrew has no motivation, stemming from the time he has, lack of connection, and money concerns.

Before deciding on the statement below, I came up with a few ideas:

• Food Swap Cooking Challenge - Food packages prepared by people in the community to swap personal/regular recipes or packages with random ingredients for Andrew to experiment with

• A communal compost bin and cooking classes that uses food scraps to educate about food waste

• Ways to cook with friends at his house as it's cheaper and fun

FINAL STATEMENT "How might we create a platform that motivates Andrew to cook more for himself so that he won't have to buy his meals all the time?"

From all the statements, I selected the one above as it provided a general foundation for me to ideate solutions while also having a clear goal in mind. This statement will allow me to incorporate his problems with time, money and connection, which all cause Andrew to have no motivation to cook, leading him to buy food all the time.