The present state - desired state technique One strategy for formulating a clear problem statement is the so-called present state-desired state technique. One begins by specifying (as best as one can) the present or problem state (PS), and then the desired or solution state (DS). One then modifies both the PS and the DS until there is a satisfactory correlation between the two. The Dunker Diagram is often used as a graphical approach to the PS/DS technique

The present state - desired state technique The Dunker Diagram presents three classes of solutions: General Solutions come in two forms: (1) those that require some action to be taken to achieve the desired state and (2) those that transform the desired state until it matches the present state (which sometimes requires slight modification of the original present state). Functional Solutions are derived from the general solutions without regard to feasibility. Specific Solutions are feasible solutions derived from the functional solution list.

The present state - desired state technique

The present state - desired state technique The Dunker Diagram can also be used without the present state - desired state formulation Problem Positive General Solution Negative General Solution Functional Solutions Functional Solutions Specific Solutions Specific Solutions

The present state - desired state technique Cereal not getting to market fast enough to maintain freshness Get cereal to market faster Make it OK for cereal NOT to get to market faster Functional Solutions Functional Solutions Specific Solutions Specific Solutions