spur: Tools · Problem Six

Problem Six is a rapid prototyping tool to quickly analyse social challenges and ideate potential solutions.

Social challenges are often extremely complex and it can often be hard to know where to start or where energy should be channeled. Alternatively, sometimes a fresh approach to a well-known challenge is also needed. Problem Six is a useful ideation tool to quickly navigate a path through complex decision-making.

It is recommended that the process be completed in a group or workshop setting to ensure a range of divergent views are captured, but the process can also be completed as a solo, reflective exercise. Similarly, the process may be worked through in one session, or over many days—allowing reflection between each step.

Each step in the process follows the same format:

Part A · Brainstorm 6 options
Part B · Select preferred option based on some criteria

The rationale for 6 options, especially when using this framework as an initial drafting tool, is to help prompt additional thought when less than 6 options have been brainstormed, and to avoid "analysis paralysis" of infinite brainstorming. It should be noted, however, that 6 may be substituted for another number is desired.)

NB: The topic of family and domestic violence is used throughout as a case study for how to utilise the framework.

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Step one · Desired State

Part A

Write short, single, statements that summarise your lofty vision for the future. The statements should be high level and describe an idealistic future state.

An Australia where every family is a safe one	A world where every home is free from violence	A world where every person feels safe in their home
A world where every person feels safe with/in their family	An Australia free from family and domestic violence	A world without domestic violence

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Part B

Select the statement that best represents your desired state.

An Australia where every family is a safe one	A world where every home is free from violence	A world where every person feels safe in their home
A world where every person feels safe with/in their family	An Australia free from family and domestic violence	A world without domestic violence

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Step two · Focus population

Social issues are typically complex and nuanced—impacting and being impacted by myriad stakeholders and factors. Therefore, it is advantageous to drill down into specific demographics or segments of focus. The scope of step two is to identify key groups affected by this problem, not the people who may be targeted with our actions. This is a subtle but important differentiation.

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Part A

Brainstorm key populations and segments affected.

Men who experience violence at the hands of women	Children and minors who experience family violence	Women who experience violence at the hands of men
First Nations people who experience family violence	People who experience violence in same-sex couples	People who experience violence in rural and remote areas

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Part B

Select a population you'd like to focus on. This might be based on need, population size, intersection with your own experience or work, or other factors. It might be necessary to pause the process and take time to research these demographics in more detail.

Men who experience violence at the hands of women	Children and minors who experience family violence	Women who experience violence at the hands of men
First Nations people who experience family violence	People who experience violence in same-sex couples	People who experience violence in rural and remote areas

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This chosen focus population will also generate a more nuanced version / a sub-version of your desired state statement. For example: "An Australia where women do not experience violence at the hands of men".

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Step three · Key barriers

What are the key barriers to achieving the desired state for your focus population? These should be thematic and broad in nature.

Part A

Brainstorm key barriers.

Inequality within systems	Lack of specific knowledge, skilling and education	Limiting and damaging constructs of masculinity and femininity
Apathy, ignorance, and normalisation of violence behaviour	Lack of tools & resources	Exacerbating factors (eg; poor mental health, alcoholism, etc.)

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Part B

Select the barrier that, if removed, would likely have the most profound effect.

Inequality within systems	Lack of specific knowledge, skilling and education	Limiting and damaging constructs of masculinity and femininity
Apathy, ignorance, and normalisation of violence behaviour	Lack of tools & resources	Exacerbating factors (eg; poor mental health, alcoholism, etc.)

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Step four · Barrier reduction

Part A

Brainstorm ways in which the barrier might be reduced, mitigated, or avoided.

School workshops	Recidivism programs	Awareness and behaviour change campaigns
Workplace training	Online resources	Mentoring

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Part B

Select an option that you could most feasibly action. This should be based on a combination of experience, resourcing, interest, scope, and any other factors you think important.

School workshops	Recidivism programs	Awareness and behaviour change campaigns
Workplace training	Online resources	Mentoring

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Problem Six ultimately resembles a "choose your own adventure"—where you brainstorm options, choose an option to pursue in more detail, and repeat. Therefore, it can be useful to complete the exercise several times, choosing different branches to explore each time.

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Click here to download an A3-sized PDF of the canvas.

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Other resources

Research snippet

Wellbeing stats in the Australian workplace

The state of mental wellbeing in Australian workplaces

Research snippet

Decriminalising homosexuality worldwide

This is a snapshot into the progress made to decriminalise homosexuality worldwide, and the barriers that still exist.