Problem Setting

The first phase of the design process is problem setting. During this phase, research is performed in order to analyze the situation, the market, and the target group and its needs. Then a qualification specification (goal construction) is established and, especially in (→) product development, the knowledge is then published in a functional specifications sheet (outlining the technical possibilities, and so on) and a user requirement specifications sheet (outlining the requirements of the product's features, price, (→) USP, and so on). Since these documents are often highly complex, the design-related factors are often summarized in a (→) brief.

The shift in the designer's role from (→) problem solving to problem setting positions the designer to influence the strategic criteria framing a project rather than simply executing the problem setting of others. Problem setting is significant for the subsequent progress of the design work. The more clearly the goal, the criteria and the...