Idea Development
Your First Challenge
Because a clear problem is halfway to the solution. So far, you've explored what innovation is, talked to real people, and mapped their journey. Now it’s time to zoom in and clearly define the challenge you want to solve. A great solution starts with a well-framed problem.
What Is a Challenge?
In startup terms, a challenge is a clearly defined problem you're trying to solve. It should be based on real needs, grounded in empathy, and open-ended enough to allow multiple creative solutions.Think: “How might we...?” instead of “We must build an app.”
A good challenge is:
Human-centred;
Specific but not narrow;
Free of assumptions about the solution;
Focused on impact;
From Insights to Opportunity
Let’s say your interviews and journey maps uncovered this: “Students skip breakfast because they’re always running late and the food on campus is expensive.” You could turn that into this challenge: “How might we make healthy breakfast more accessible for busy students?” See how it focuses on the problem, not the product?
Tool: Problem Statement Canvas
You can fill this out by hand, digitally, or even on a whiteboard.
Activity: Challenge Accepted
Step 1: Reflect on what you’ve learned so far
Pull insights from your interviews and journey map.
Step 2: Use the Problem Statement Canvas
Complete it with your team. Take your time. Dig deep.
Step 3: Frame your “How Might We…” statement
Examples:
How might we make student budgeting more intuitive?
How might we reduce digital overload for university staff?
How might we help first-year students feel more connected on campus?
Real Talk
Don’t rush this step. A fuzzy problem = a fuzzy solution;
A good challenge should feel meaningful and open to exploration;
Be flexible. You might reframe your challenge several times — that’s part of the process.