Problem-solving is at the core of everything we do in product ownership, especially when it comes to agile development. Whether we’re defining user stories, setting priorities, or creating strategies, we’re looking for solutions. I’d like to take you on a journey that simplifies the complexity of problem-solving into five elemental questions:

1. Who has the problem?
2. What are they trying to do?
3. Why can’t they do it?
4. What are they doing instead?
5. What’s the cost of living with the problem?

These questions are not just mere inquiries; they are the keys that unlock the power of effective product ownership. They guide the writing and researching of product backlog items and instill an understanding of the real needs of the users.

1. Who has the Problem?

Understanding who has the problem allows us to develop empathy and gain insights into our customers’ needs. In agile development, identifying the persona behind the problem helps us create user stories that resonate. These stories are not about abstract concepts; they’re about real people with real issues. Knowing your user helps the development team connect more deeply with the project and encourages creativity in solving their specific challenges.

Example: A frequent traveler struggling with a mobile travel booking app.

Response: Identify the specific pain points of this persona. Develop user stories that cater to frequent travelers’ needs, emphasizing speed, flexibility, and efficiency. Knowing who faces the problem enables us to tailor solutions with empathy and precision.

2. What are They Trying to Do?

Defining what the user is trying to achieve helps us visualize the goal. In product ownership, this understanding guides us in creating backlog items that aim straight at what users need most. When we know what our users want to accomplish, we can provide tools and functionalities that empower them rather than merely adding features. This focused approach results in products that users love and teams that feel genuine accomplishment.

Example: The traveler wants to compare flight options and book a trip quickly.

Response: Create backlog items focusing on streamlined comparison tools, one-click bookings, and personalized recommendations. By understanding what the user tries to do, we craft solutions that enable and empower them rather than merely adding features.

3. Why Can’t They Do It?

This question uncovers the obstacles that our users face. By understanding why they can’t achieve their goals, we delve into the real challenges and constraints. This insight drives us to create user stories that directly tackle these obstacles. It’s about empathy, compassion, and genuine care. It enables us to innovate solutions that make a tangible difference in our users’ lives.

Example: The app’s interface is cluttered, and the search filters are cumbersome.

Response: Research and address the design flaws that hinder the user. Develop user stories centered on intuitive design and enhanced filter options. Understanding why they can’t achieve their goal enables us to remove obstacles and innovate purposeful solutions.

4. What are They Doing Instead?

Exploring what our users are doing instead of achieving their goals leads us to valuable insights into workarounds and inefficiencies. These discoveries are goldmines for innovation! By observing their struggles and adaptations, we can design products that turn their makeshift solutions into streamlined experiences. This proactive approach leads to more impactful and user-centered products.

Example: The traveler resorts to using multiple platforms to compare and book flights.

Response: Observe and analyze the user’s workaround to identify what’s missing in the current app. Create backlog items that incorporate those missing elements, like a comprehensive comparison feature that pulls data from various airlines. By recognizing what users are doing instead, we transform makeshift solutions into streamlined experiences.

5. What’s the Cost of Living with the Problem?

Finally, understanding the cost of living with the problem helps us prioritize backlog items. It’s about weighing the pain points and determining where our efforts will make the most significant impact. This question aligns the team around a common understanding of urgency and value, fostering collaboration and efficiency.

Example: Time wasted juggling between platforms and potential monetary loss from not finding the best deal.

Response: Prioritize backlog items that directly address the most painful costs, such as implementing an all-in-one comparison tool and alert system for price drops. Understanding the cost helps us focus our efforts where they will make the most significant impact.

Conclusion

In the adventurous world of product ownership and agile development, these five questions are not mere tools; they are our guiding stars. They lead us to create more resonant and impactful products by aligning us with our users’ real needs.

• By knowing who has the problem, we craft empathetic and targeted solutions.
• By understanding what they’re trying to do, we empower and enable them.
• By uncovering why they can’t do it, we innovate and overcome obstacles.
• By observing what they’re doing instead, we turn inefficiencies into opportunities.
• By recognizing what’s the cost, we prioritize and add value where it matters most.

By embracing these five questions, we become better problem-solvers and leaders who inspire our teams to build products that resonate with users.

These questions are not a mere checklist; they are a philosophy, a way of thinking that elevates our approach to product backlog items. By consistently asking ourselves these questions, we create a more profound connection to our users, team, and purpose.

So next time you face a challenge, remember these five guiding questions. They are your compass, your roadmap, and your inspiration.

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