Problem space mapping refers to the exploration, discovery and build-up of a map of the problem situation. Without an effective map of the problem, we could easily end up solving the wrong problem.
Why are problem space mapping skills important?Because outside of the school environment, we are rarely given a problem - often, we have a vague discomfort that something is amiss and without problem space mapping skills, we will take a long time getting to a sensible formulation of the problem, not to mention developing an effective solution to the problem.
Give an example of this situation.As I embark as a project manager on a new project, I could draw on past experiences and various books to map out the problem space. However, on some other endeavors, like starting a new business, the problem space map is a blank.
What is the problem with our current education?
The problem with our current educational system is focused on solution space searching i.e. given a problem, search for appropriate solutions to the problem. The problem is already given.
What are cases where this the notion of problem space mapping has proven effective?
In the introduction to the book "The PRIMES", author Chris McGoff relates a story where his partner, Michael Doyle explained to the Director of Strategy for the World Bank the reason the existing plan for change is doomed to fail. One of the reasons was that:".. the design won't work because it violates the 'Rule of Parity': People need approximately as much space to talk about the problem as they do the solution. This design creates far too little space for the bank's senior leaders to get sufficiently clear on the problem and too much space for solution.
