Problem Solving Canvas
Structures problem-solving with problem, causes, and action steps.
PURPOSE
Problem-solving efforts often fail because solutions are sought prematurely without sufficiently understanding the problem and its causes. The Problem Solving Canvas forces teams to proceed systematically and define the problem before taking action. It prevents symptom treatment and promotes sustainable solutions.
HOW TO USE
The team fills out the canvas step by step: first the problem is clearly described, then causes are analyzed, and finally solution approaches and concrete action steps are defined. Each step is discussed and validated as a team. The canvas serves as documentation of the entire problem-solving process.
WHAT IT IS
The Problem Solving Canvas is a structured worksheet that divides the problem-solving process into clearly defined steps. It includes typical fields such as problem description, root cause analysis, solution ideas, and action plans. The canvas format enables visual and collaborative processing in workshops.
EXAMPLE
Example: Your call center is experiencing a spike in customer complaints about long wait times, but nobody knows whether it's due to staffing shortages, poor software, or wrong processes. With the Problem Solving Canvas, you systematically break down the problem into causes, effects, and possible action steps. You discover that the routing system incorrectly assigns 60% of calls.