Problem Definition Template

Problem definition template
This is a template used to assist an entity to define a problem which it would like to resolve using the experimental methodology designed by the MIH. This will help the startup generate ideas on how to resolve the identified problem.
Once defined, the problem is then included as a ‘pain point’(*) in the Call Document published by the MIH to request startups to competitively propose solutions on how to address such a problem. The startup with the best solution is then selected for funding.


Pain Point

[Give a one line description of who the problem owner is.

Articulate clearly what the problem is in a concise and crisp manner.

In the text you should identify who the customer or end user is, what are the solutions currently available to them (if any), and why these are not addressing their needs.

Include any examples, figures or statistics, and references, which may evidence the extent of the problem, or why the currently available solution does not meet the customer or end user needs.

Use what, how, why, where questions to guide you. Do not exceed 120 words.]

Solution

[Suggest high level solutions without being too prescriptive and without actually specifying what the detailed requirements are. Indicate who will be the users of the solution to be prototyped, tested and deployed.

Mention the kind of user interface you are expecting, e.g. mobile app, web app, digital game, and whether the solution should contemplate devices embedded with sensors, software, etc., what high level functionalities you would expect, e.g. geo-location or social media interface, and what high level business functions you would like the solutions to execute (e.g. report illegalities, determining an optimal route, etc.).

Mention any applicable constraints or limitations. Do not exceed 120 words.]

Available Data

[Specify what kind of data, including images or videos, you would make available for consumption by the solution addressing the problem; whether they are open data, or what distribution mechanism you would be willing to use to make the data available, e.g. web services, data dumps, etc.

If applicable, mention where these data are currently hosted, and if there are particular constraints such as data protection, confidentiality, etc. Do not exceed 60 words.]

(*) The wording ‘pain point’ is based on the Lean Startup methodology described in: Ries, E. (2011). The Lean Startup. New York: Crown Publishing Group.

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