Better outcomes begin with identifying, framing, analyzing and validating the right problem for your context.
The Problem Lab is one of the world’s few university-based services focused exclusively on problem analysis. We ensure the first step of innovation is undertaken correctly and comprehensively.
Unless the right problem has been identified and fully analyzed, a successful solution, whether human or AI-generated, is no more than good luck. By providing a rigorous analysis of the problem, we lay the groundwork for a powerful, effective solution.
We work with private companies, public agencies and other organizations to investigate complex problems, uncover opportunities and provide the insights needed to move confidently toward innovative solutions.
Why problem analysis matters in the age of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can rapidly identify state-of-the-art solutions. They may also assist with root-cause analysis and problem framing.
What AI does not provide on its own is independent validation that the right problem has been identified and framed correctly for your organization’s specific context and objectives.
The Problem Lab helps organizations make that critical determination. With a thorough understanding of the problem, its context and its underlying causes, you can better direct experts and AI, or validate their outputs, to produce maximum impact.
What we do
Our work is focused on one fundamental question: Are you solving the right problem?
We conduct rigorous, evidence-based problem analysis to help organizations understand what is really happening, why it is happening and what opportunities may exist for meaningful change.
Our methodology is driven by evidence, logic and advanced analysis. We look beyond visible symptoms to define the problem and its root causes.
| Concept | What it is | Question it answers |
|---|---|---|
| SYMPTOM | The visible effect that prompts action. | What are we seeing? |
| Beneath the surface: where the Problem Lab focuses | ||
| PROBLEM | The underlying condition that needs to change, framed for your context. | What should we actually solve? |
| ROOT CAUSE | The direct and indirect factors that produce and sustain the problem. | Why is it happening? |
The result is a clear, focused analysis that helps organizations move from problem uncertainty to informed action.
Research services
Strategic problem analysis
Our core service is a comprehensive analysis of a problem identified by your organization. The process is designed to ensure that organizations have a strong understanding of the problem before investing significant time and resources in developing or implementing a solution.
What you receive:
Depending on the project, our analysis may include:
Our goal is not simply to describe a problem. It is to provide the knowledge and analytical foundation required to develop a more effective response.
Work with your team
Problem analysis is most effective when it is collaborative.
We work closely with our clients throughout the research process, providing opportunities for ongoing discussion, feedback and refinement. Rather than delivering an analysis at the end of the engagement, we invite clients to contribute their knowledge and perspective as our understanding of the problem develops.
This collaborative approach helps ensure that the final analysis is both rigorous and relevant to the organization’s needs.
Following the completion of a problem analysis, we can also provide continued analytical support as an organization moves toward solution development and testing.
Where appropriate, we can refer clients to partners who may be able to help generate, develop and test potential solutions.
Training and workshops
Organizations can also engage the Problem Lab to build internal problem-analysis capabilities.
Our training and workshops introduce teams to the principles and practice of problem analysis and help them develop the skills to:
- Identify, define, and frame important problems
- Distinguish problems from symptoms
- Investigate causes and effects
- Analyze complex problems systematically
- Evaluate previous attempts at solutions
- Challenge assumptions and avoid premature solutions
- Use evidence-based insights to inform innovations
- Apply problem-analysis methods to real organizational challenges
Sessions can be customized for corporate teams, organizations, students (including co-op students) and other groups. They can also be delivered as a workshop, team session or other tailored engagement.
Step 1:
Identify the problem
Clarify the initial problem statement and its scope.
Step 2:
Investigate evidence
Research the problem's history, effects and previous solution attempts.
Step 3:
Analyze causes and context
Examine direct and indirect causes and the context in which the problem exists.
Step 4:
Challenge assumptions
Test assumptions and whether the problem has been framed correctly.
Step 5:
Generate insights
Turn findings into actionable insights and opportunities.
Step 6:
Support solution development
Continued analytical support or referrals to partners who can help develop solutions.
Collaborative throughout: your team contributes knowledge and feedback at every stage.
Why work with the Problem Lab?
- Independent, problem-focused perspective: The Problem Lab provides an independent perspective focused specifically on understanding the problem rather than promoting a particular solution.
- Rigorous research: Our approach is evidence-based and draws on research, analysis, logic and multiple sources of information.
- A stronger foundation for innovation: A well-understood problem gives organizations a stronger foundation for developing, evaluating and implementing solutions.
- Human expertise in an AI-enabled world: We help ensure AI capabilities are directed toward the right problem, appropriately framed for your context.
Who we work with
We have worked with both private companies and public agencies on a range of complex problems. Our work can support organizations that are:
- Exploring a new opportunity
- Facing a persistent or complex challenge
- Considering a major change or innovation
- Unsure whether they have identified the right problem
- Looking to understand why previous approaches have not worked
- Preparing to invest in a new solution
- Seeking an independent analysis before moving forward
- Looking to strengthen their internal problem-solving capabilities
Examples of our work
"Taking a wider view allows us to bring tangible value to collaborative legal innovation projects. Waterloo's Problem Lab, its co-op leadership, and its students are valued partners in our success."
-Sanjay Khanna, Director and Futurist of Whitespace Legal Collab
Interested in working with the Problem Lab?
Questions? Connect with us!
Frequently asked questions
Problem analysis is the systematic investigation of a problem to understand its nature, context, causes, effects and history before attempting to develop a solution.
The goal is to ensure that an organization is addressing the right problem, rather than simply responding to its most visible symptoms.
Why is problem analysis important?
Organizations can spend significant resources developing solutions to problems that have been incorrectly defined or insufficiently understood.
A rigorous problem analysis provides the evidence and understanding needed to make better decisions about what should be addressed and how.
How long does a problem analysis take?
The timeline depends on the complexity and scope of the problem, the research required and the objectives of the engagement.
We work with each organization to establish an appropriate scope and timeline
Can the Problem Lab help develop the solution?
The Problem Lab's primary role is to ensure that the problem is properly understood and analyzed.
Following the analysis, we can provide continued analytical support and, where appropriate, refer organizations to partners who may be able to help generate and test solutions.
How does the Problem Lab's research process work?
The research process is tailored to the problem and organization. Generally, it follows the six steps shown in our approach above.
We work collaboratively with clients throughout the process and incorporate feedback as our understanding develops.
What is the final deliverable?
The primary deliverable is a documented analysis of the problem and actionable insights that can inform solution development.
Depending on the engagement, deliverables may include interim reports, a final report, presentations or ongoing analytical support.
Can you train our team instead of conducting the research for us?
Yes. The Problem Lab offers workshops and training designed to help organizations develop their own problem-analysis capabilities.
Who can work with the Problem Lab?
We work with private companies, public agencies and other organizations facing problems where a rigorous, independent analysis could provide value.