Yes, customers drive and shape the problem.
Here, I tend to disagree. Once problems and existing alternatives are understood, I want teams to first identify what they can do better…
- Yes, customers drive and shape the problem. So if in your control, certainly better to start there. Although, not always possible. If one were starting with a wicked problem, like reducing poverty, you may have to search for users/customers from the problem objective.
- Here, I tend to disagree. Once problems and existing alternatives are understood, I want teams to first identify what they can do better than the alternatives by crafting a unique value proposition against the top problem. Then we timebox solution implementation to come up with a feasible MVP that can deliver on this promise. E.g. Tesla’s promise was an affordable 100% electric car. They rolled out 3 models of cars to test various aspects solutions to deliver on this singular promise over a 10 year period.