Desired Goal:
To reframe a problem by exploring it from multiple perspectives and uncover new solutions.
The Tool's Purpose:
The Reframing Matrix helps teams challenge assumptions and broaden their understanding of a problem by analyzing it through different lenses or viewpoints.
Overview:
The Reframing Matrix is a structured tool that divides a problem into four lenses—commonly user, technology, business and environment. A grid is set up with each lens in a quadrant. For each lens, the team asks targeted questions to explore the problem in-depth. By viewing the challenge from these varied perspectives, teams can identify overlooked aspects, generate new ideas, and uncover opportunities for innovative solutions. This tool is particularly useful when teams feel stuck or constrained by a single way of thinking.
Benefits:
- Encourages out-of-the-box thinking by shifting perspectives.
- Uncovers hidden opportunities or overlooked challenges.
- Breaks down complex problems into manageable viewpoints.
- Ensures solutions consider diverse factors like user needs, technical feasibility, business value, and environmental impact.
Use Case Scenario:
Example: A GIS company is tackling the problem of flood risk awareness in local communities. Using a Reframing Matrix, they analyze the issue through four lenses:
- User: What tools do residents need to visualize and understand flood risks?
- Technology: How can GIS technology simplify complex flood data for non-experts?
- Business: What business models can support the tool’s development and implementation?
- Environment: How can this solution align with sustainability efforts and climate resilience plans?
By exploring each lens, the team uncovers ideas like an interactive community flood map, a freemium model for businesses, and sustainability-focused partnerships.
