Explain the problem you aim to solve, and justify the need for a solution.

Give specific reasons and evidence you can use these guiding questions to help you.

	Questions to guide your justification

Create a Problem Statement using the following strategies:

• Identify a target user by applying brainstorming or mind-mapping techniques
• Interview, survey and/or poll potential clients
• Observe, film and/or photograph users interacting with a product.
• Collect data from experts to confirm there is a real need for a solution to the problem.
• See the situation from the user’s/client’s point of view.

	Sample problem statement

Identify what research you will carry out, why you need to research the topic, how you will find your information and prioritise the research topics.

Everything we are doing for this task must be relevant! Where will you find relevant and valid information?

• Books
• Magazines
• TV documentaries
• The internet
• Visits
• Talking to experts
• Surveys
• Experiments and investigations

A primary source provides direct or first-hand information and a secondary source provides second-hand information. See examples below:

	Primary Sources Examples
	Secondary Sources Examples

Analyse a group of similar products that inspire a solution to the problem (at least 3).

Consider the following headings to assist with analysing existing products.

• How it's made
• Aesthetics
• Function
• Materials
• Cost
• Improvements I could make
• Positives
• Negatives.

Consider some of the following  methods for your analysis:

	A: Example of SWOT analysis

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The Design Brief is a brief summary of all of your research

It needs to:

• present information concisely
• explain how and why the information is relevant to solving the problem
• evaluate the validity of the data
• present their research in an appendix
• citing all sources of information using appropriate conventions