{"id":9268,"date":"2023-10-25T13:30:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T13:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uxdesigninstitute.com\/blog\/?p=9268"},"modified":"2024-07-10T09:59:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T09:59:00","slug":"problem-statement-in-ux-examples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uxdesigninstitute.com\/blog\/problem-statement-in-ux-examples\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a problem statement in UX and how do you write one?"},"content":{"rendered":"

UX designers are problem solvers. They spend time getting to know their target users, identifying their pain-points, understanding their needs and goals, and then designing effective solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Problem statements are a powerful tool in the UX design process. They help UX designers identify and articulate the problem that needs to be solved, ensuring they\u2019re on track to meet the end user\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll show you\u2014with examples\u2014what a problem statement is, why it\u2019s so useful for UX, and how to write your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Let\u2019s begin.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a problem statement? A definition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

UX design is all about solving problems for users. Before you can come up with effective solutions, you need to know exactly what problem you\u2019re trying to solve. That\u2019s where problem statements come in.<\/span><\/p>\n

A problem statement is a clear, concise description of the user problem a UX designer needs to solve.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

It sums up, in a few sentences, who is affected by the problem, where and why the problem occurs (the context), and the impact of the problem \u2014 in other words, why it\u2019s important that this problem be solved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that a problem statement does not suggest solutions. It may refer to what the user needs in broad terms, but it doesn\u2019t start to consider what the answer may be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A problem statement is a springboard for further exploration, pin-pointing where UX designers should focus their efforts as they move from discovery to ideation and solution-finding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n \n

[GET CERTIFIED IN UX]<\/p>\n Take our Professional Diploma in UX Design course<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a problem statement look like? Problem statement examples<\/strong><\/p>\n

A problem statement is built on the following framework:<\/span><\/p>\n

[User A] experiences [this problem] when they [try to complete this action \/ use a particular product or service] in [this context]. This is a problem because [it has this impact on the user experience and on the business].\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This is still rather abstract, so let\u2019s explore some (hypothetical) problem statement examples.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Problem statement examples<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. A problem statement for a gym:<\/h4>\n

Members of our gym are not able to book classes in advance, which often results in classes being too full and some members being turned away on the day. This regularly leads to complaints from members and makes it difficult for instructors to plan ahead. This could impact membership loyalty and referrals, as well as instructor retention.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

2. A problem statement for a recruiting agency:<\/b><\/h4>\n

Jobseekers are required to manually input their personal details, work experience, and qualifications every time they wish to apply for a new role via our platform. On average, this takes around 1.5 hours per candidate per job. Recruiters are complaining that there are not enough applicants for their roles, and there is a high application abandonment rate. This is making it difficult for recruiters to meet their placement targets.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

3. A problem statement for a second-hand clothing app:<\/b><\/h4>\n

Sellers on our second-hand clothing app are unable to see where buyers are located, and buyers are unable to filter sellers by location. This often results in unfulfilled or cancelled transactions due to high postage costs, leaving both sellers and buyers unhappy. This is also impacting revenue.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

As you can see, each of these problem statements clearly outlines the user(s) concerned, the problem they face, the context of the problem, and the impact of the problem on the user, the organisation, or both.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now we know what a problem statement is, let\u2019s consider when you might write one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n \n

[FREE UX DESIGN COURSE]<\/p>\n Click Here to Dive into the World of UX<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

When should you write a problem statement?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

UX problem statements are usually generated in the discovery phase. That is, the part of the <\/b>UX process<\/b><\/a> that\u2019s dedicated to understanding your users and what they want and need in relation to your product. <\/b><\/p>\n

<\/b>You might write your problem statement:<\/span><\/p>\n