A framing workshop, specifically a problem framing workshop, is a structured session designed to help teams understand, define, and prioritize complex business challenges using data and customer insights.
Purpose of a Framing Workshop
The primary goal of a framing workshop is to bring clarity to ambiguous problems. It prevents teams from jumping to solutions before fully grasping the issue at hand. Here’s a breakdown of its key purposes:
- Understanding the Problem: Ensuring all team members have a shared understanding of the problem's root causes.
- Defining the Problem: Precisely articulating the problem in a way that is actionable and measurable.
- Prioritizing the Problem: Ranking the problem's importance relative to other issues, helping teams focus their efforts on the most impactful areas.
- Utilizing Data and Insights: Basing the understanding, definition, and prioritization of problems on factual data and customer feedback.
Key Aspects of a Framing Workshop
Here are some important elements typically found in a problem framing workshop:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Participants | Cross-functional teams with relevant expertise and perspectives. |
| Data & Research | The workshop incorporates existing data, customer insights, and market research to validate the problem. |
| Structured Activities | Specific exercises and frameworks are used to guide the team through understanding, defining and prioritizing the problem. |
| Facilitation | An experienced facilitator guides the workshop, ensuring active participation and driving the team towards a clear outcome. |
| Deliverables | A well-defined problem statement that is clear, concise, and actionable. |
How a Framing Workshop Works
The process typically involves:
- Problem Exploration: Identifying and discussing various aspects of the problem.
- Data Analysis: Reviewing relevant data and customer feedback.
- Problem Definition: Crafting a precise and actionable problem statement.
- Prioritization: Determining the priority of the problem relative to others.
For example, if a business is experiencing low customer satisfaction, a framing workshop would:
- Explore the reasons behind low satisfaction using available data (e.g., customer feedback surveys, support tickets).
- Define specific problems, like long wait times for support or unclear product instructions.
- Prioritize the most pressing issues (e.g., long support wait times might be a greater concern than unclear instructions).
Benefits of a Framing Workshop
- Improved Problem Solving: Leads to better solutions by focusing on the right problem.
- Enhanced Team Alignment: Ensures everyone is working toward a common understanding of the issues.
- Reduced Wasted Effort: Prevents teams from investing in solutions that don't address the root cause.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Facilitates the use of evidence and insights rather than assumptions.
