The Problem Lab: Training and Workshops

Organizations can 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
  • Interested in building your team’s problem-analysis capabilities?

    Ask about our training and workshops.

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.

"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

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Frequently asked questions

What is problem analysis?

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 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.

We work collaboratively with clients throughout the process and incorporate feedback as our understanding develops.

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

What is the final deliverable?

A Problem Analysis Brief: a 6–10 page, decision-ready analysis with an evidence appendix and a transparent AI-use record. You also receive progress briefings during the work and a debrief at delivery.

Depending on the engagement, we can add presentations or follow-on support.

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.

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.

How does the Problem Lab use AI?

AI accelerates the evidence work within an inquiry our experts design: screening sources, summarizing interviews, profiling data and proposing candidate explanations.

Named team members verify every AI output used in a finding and make every judgment. Each PAB discloses how AI was used. 

Will the analysis confirm our preferred solution?

We guarantee a rigorous process, not a predetermined conclusion. The findings may confirm or challenge your current plans; you make the final decision.

What does a PAB cost?

Fees reflect scope, complexity, risk and research required. We confirm the fee in a proposal after an initial conversation.