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The Problem-Driven Creation Framework

· 2 min read
Shan
Founder, Shan Studio

Framework Summary​

StagePrincipleFocusOutput
Discover ProblemsDo the right thingFind meaningful opportunitiesValidated problems
Solve ProblemsFind the right solutionDesign effective solutionsSolution plan
Build SystemsMake it repeatableMake solutions reliable and repeatableWorking system
Create ProductsDeliver value at scaleDeliver value at scaleScalable product

1. Discover Problems​

Do the right thing — discovering the right problem decides your direction.

Objective​

Identify meaningful problems worth solving.

Key Questions​

  • What is inefficient?
  • What is repetitive?
  • What causes frustration?
  • Who is affected?
  • Why hasn't it been solved?

Typical Actions​

  • Observe workflows
  • Interview users
  • Analyze processes
  • Identify root causes
  • Collect evidence

Deliverables​

  • Problem statement
  • Pain points
  • Root cause analysis
  • Opportunity list

2. Solve Problems​

Find the right solution — how you solve the problem decides your method.

Objective​

Design the best solution to the right problem.

Key Questions​

  • What are the possible solutions?
  • Which is the simplest?
  • What assumptions need validation?
  • What are the trade-offs?

Typical Actions​

  • Research
  • Brainstorm
  • Prototype
  • Validate ideas
  • Design architecture

Deliverables​

  • Solution proposal
  • Prototype
  • Technical design
  • MVP plan

3. Build Systems​

Make it repeatable — building the system decides your efficiency.

Objective​

Transform a solution into a reliable, repeatable system.

Key Questions​

  • How can it be automated?
  • How can it scale?
  • How can it be maintained?
  • How can reliability be improved?

Typical Actions​

  • Implement
  • Test
  • Automate
  • Deploy
  • Monitor
  • Document

Deliverables​

  • Working system
  • Automation
  • Documentation
  • Operational process

4. Create Products​

Deliver value at scale — creating the product decides your impact.

Objective​

Deliver value at scale.

Key Questions​

  • Who will use it?
  • Why will they choose it?
  • How does it create value?
  • How can it grow sustainably?

Typical Actions​

  • Product design
  • Packaging
  • User experience
  • Marketing
  • Customer feedback
  • Continuous iteration

Deliverables​

  • Product
  • Users
  • Business model
  • Product roadmap