Successful ideas are often solutions to real problems. By identifying a genuine problem that your idea addresses, you ensure that your idea is meaningful and needed.
Group task
45min
LESSON OBJECTIVE:
In this lesson, you will learn step-by-step how to identify and define a genuine and meaningful problem.
1) Trust – Team members can rely on each other and share their thoughts openly.
2) Open communication – Information flows smoothly, and matters can be discussed honestly.
3) Shared goal – Everyone has a clear understanding of the common objective.
4) Clear roles and responsibilities – Each person knows their tasks and what they are accountable for.
The Double Diamond is a design and service design process model consisting of two diamond-shaped phases:
1) Discover and Define – Understanding and defining the problem.
2) Develop and Deliver – Creating and testing the solution.
1. CHOOSING A TEAM
Form a team of 3–5 people. World-changing ideas don’t happen alone – you need a team to develop and advance your idea. Watch the video for Aino Bergius’s tips on choosing a successful team.
2. GETTING INSPIRED BY CURRENT THEMES
10 min
Together with your team, choose a theme that interests and resonates with you. It can be something connected to everyday life, society, the future, or the environment.
Explore the Spring Inspiration Cards – they provide up-to-date information and fresh perspectives to help you come up with meaningful ideas.
Once you have chosen a theme that excites your team, it’s time to identify the problems within it. Often, when we think about problems, we quickly jump to solutions – but take the time to stay with the problem for a while. By exploring it in depth, you may discover completely new solutions. In the video, Minttu Jaakkola explains how to recognise a problem that truly needs solving.
1. Quantity before quality
Each team member writes down as many problems as possible related to your chosen theme for about 2 minutes. The problems can be small everyday challenges or large-scale issues – all ideas are welcome!
2. Sharing
Take turns going through the problems you came up with.
3. Discussion
Discuss together which problems feel the most important or interesting.
4. Selection
Choose one problem you want to focus on and develop a creative, innovative solution for it.
4. NARROWING DOWN AND REFINING THE PROBLEM
13 min
+
2 min video
Ideas and innovations often arise from a well-understood and clearly defined problem. The more precisely you define the problem, the easier it is to find a new and effective solution. Remember: big issues are not solved with a single idea – but small, everyday aspects of them can be the perfect starting point!
Watch the video for Niklas Hamberg’s tips on refining your problem and identifying your target group.
Once you have chosen one problem, answer the following questions:
1. Who or what is affected by the problem?
2. Who or what is causing the problem – either consciously or unconsciously?
3. Which broader phenomenon is the problem a part of (e.g., climate change, loneliness, information overload)?
4. What is the specific perspective or situation you want to focus on?
(Example: the pressure young people feel to buy new clothes to be visible on social media)
5. SUMMARISING THE PROBLEM IN ONE SENTENCE
5 min
Write down your problem in a single, concise sentence. This will be the foundation for developing your solution.
6. QUIZ
Test your knowledge with a quiz about world-changing ideas!
MOVE ON TO THE NEXT LESSON
In the next lesson, you will learn how to develop a unique solution to the problem you have just identified. Your team will work together to move this idea toward implementation and impact.
Spring -ideakilpailu 2025. Kuva: Miikka Pirinen
45min
Group task
CREATING THE SOLUTION
Successful ideas are meaningful, insightful, and scalable — they can be applied more widely beyond the initial context.
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