Lesson2(6 steps-analysis)

Problem Solving

www.waynekroeplin.com 2010

Step 1Identify the Problem



Identifying the problem is not always easy. Example:John Harrison knew of a problem…people were getting lost at sea. But, was that the real problem to solve? No, it was how to make a clock work while on a ship at sea. But, that was not even the real problem. The real problem was the pendulum on the clock did not work at sea.Here’s how you can get to the real problem, ask WHY 5 or more times…



The 5 WHY’sPeople are getting lost at sea. 1. WHY? Because there is no device for telling accurate time2. WHY? Because the existing clocks don’t tell accurate time at

sea3. WHY? Because the pendulum can’t swing steadily in the

rocking and rolling of the waves4. WHY? Because the pendulum is too heavy at one end and can’t

compensate5. WHY? Because there needs to be weights at both ends*You might need to ask more or less than 5 times to get to the root

problem


Step 2Gather Information


Step 2Gather Information

The Internet is a great place to start when you are gathering information about the problem you are solving. Also, talking with other people who understand the problem. This will help you gather the information you need.This step is about fully understanding the problem.*This step also involves finding out what solutions others have created for this problem. Maybe someone else has already solved this problem.


Step 3Develop Possible Solutions


Step 3Develop Possible Solutions

Do you like to draw? Step 3 is about brainstorming and sketching out possible solutions. (Watch for my class in 3D computer design.)It’s good to think of many different solutions. Don’t rush through this step, give it plenty of time.


Step 4Choose One Solution and Refine


Step 4Choose One Solution and Refine

At this point, you need to choose one of your solutions and refine. Refine means to think more about this solution and finalize any details.


Step 5Build a Model/Prototype


Step 5Build a Model/Prototype

There are 2 types of prototypes:1. Functional prototype: Does it work the way it’s

suppose to?2. Design prototype: Does it look the way it’s

suppose to?

*First, try and make it work. Then, make it look good


Step 6Test the Solution



It’s at this step MOST people give up if their solution does not work. DON’T GIVE UP!If your solution does not work, ask WHY. (remember the 5 why’s?) This will take you back to step 1, where you will identify the NEW problem that needs to be solved.



The key here is to never give up! You might need to go through the 6-steps hundreds of times until your solution is final.



It’s believed that Thomas Edison tested his solution for the light bulb around 10,000 times before he got it right. Each time, he identified a new problem to solve. He never gave up!


DON’T GIVE UP!Our world has countless problems that need solutions. We need people who know how to solve problems and will not give up.


Problem Solving


Continue on to the next lesson


Technology

Lesson2(6 steps-analysis)