4W Canvas is a problem scoping framework. It helps us in determining the scope of a project. Here we will discuss in terms of 4W Canvas in AI project cycle:

• What is 4W Canvas
• Why do we need 4W Canvas
• What are 4W Canvas components
• Two examples of creating problem statements
• A free downloadable template to write problem statements

Let’s dive in.

And if you prefer visual content over text, watch this video.

Why do we need a problem scoping framework?

We need a problem scoping framework to create a specific, attainable and timebound problem statement. Because based on that problem statement, we can start designing a working prototype. And then finally get onto the nitty-gritties of planning the project:

• What are the estimated project costs?
• Who will be developing the solution?
• What are the resources required?
• What are the timelines?

For answering these questions, we need to have a very clear cut problem statement, and that is where the 4W Canvas helps us.  

Components of 4W Canvas

In 4W Canvas we ask these four questions about the problem:

• Who
• What
• Where
• Why

Who

Who are you solving the problem for? Who are the stakeholders when it comes to just the problem. We are focusing only on the problem stakeholders here because when you start building the solution,  there will be other stakeholders, like the developers, analysts,project managers, etc.

But right now we are worried only about who is facing the problem. They are the stakeholders and you need to identify them.

What

What is the problem? Now, it seems very counterintuitive that I’m defining the problem and I’m asking what the problem is!

Let me clarify this a bit.

When we say what is the problem here, we mean what are the painpoints?  And for this, you need to talk with stakeholders. There will many problems they will say they’re facing but when you talk to them, you realize that there is an underlying problem, which is the root cause of all these apparent problems.

You have to zero-in on the top pain points that the stakeholders are facing and that will enable you to define the problem.  

Where

Here you are trying to establish the context. Where exactly the stakeholders are facing these challenges. Whether it is in digital space or in physical space. If you are talking of physical space, then where exactly. In their office, their home, the market, the railway station, etc. If it’s digital space, then which action, which platform, etc.

You are trying to establish the context.

Here we also ask – did someone try to solve the problem earlier? If they did try to solve then why it was not solved, what were the obstacles?

And if nobody tried to solve it earlier, then why?  Why no one tried to solve it earlier?

Why

The most important question is – why are you even trying to solve the problem. How important it is to find a solution.

And when this is a problem that an organization is trying to solve, we must also ask whether it is aligned to the overall goals of the organization? Because if it is not aligned, it might get difficult to allocate the time and resources needed and manage the project. They might not even have the resources necessary to solve the problem!

These are the four questions we ask about any problem that we want to solve.  And what is the outcome we are trying to achieve here?

Framing problem statement

The desired outcome of applying the 4W canvas in AI project cycle is that we should be able to frame a problem statement.

But we must have a problem statement that is specific, attainable and timebound:

• Specific: This means you will list out what are the exact painpoints you are trying to solve.
• Attainable: And these painpoints should not be out of this world. They should be achievable within your resources and a specified timeframe.
• Time bound: The problem statement must mention a time frame. You will not say that I’m going to solve this problem. You will say, I’m going to find a solution in the next six months.

Even in life, you can observe, if you try to achieve lofty goals that are way beyond your skills and resources, you often fail. When you do not put a timeline to a goal, then you keep postponing it, sometimes indefinitely.

And this is how you frame the problem statement:

The first blank is the answer of who. The stakeholder, the name of the people, the name of the group of people who are facing the problem.

In the second blank, you list the painpoints that you are going to solve. The stakeholders might have five pain points, but you’re only going to solve the three top three. You will list that here.

In the third blank you put the answer of “where.” Where they’re actually facing the problem.

And the last blank is for why are we solving the problem? You can say, because we can do this, this, and this, and list your reasons.

4W Canvas Examples

For the first example let us say there is a long waiting line for the parking area in the mall near your house. People often park their cars on the roads rather than wait for their turn. This creates traffic problems. And this is the problem that you are going to solve.

Let’s get answer to the 4Ws:

• Who is facing the problem – The car owners of the city.
• What is the problem – They have to wait for a long time for parking space.
• Where does the problem exist – In the XYZ Mall when they visit them.
• Why are you are trying to solve this problem – because you have the ability to develop a software that calculates the average wait time before the next parking space falls vacant, so that somebody’s waiting in the line. They will know they have just two minutes to wait and then they’ll join the queue and park the car in the parking.

This is how the problem statement can be framed.

Let’s take another example that you might identify with better! 

As the exams are near you observe all your friends as well as you are tired and sleepy. The school counsellor says this is due to inadequate sleep and outdoor activity. And this is the problem you are trying to solve.

Here are the answers to the 4Ws for this problem:

• Who is facing the problem – Students of your class
• What is the problem – Not enough sleep or outdoor activity (two painpoints here)
• Where is the problem – At home or school or wherever they are. Come to think of it, the problem is within themselves.
• Why you want to solve this problem – You can design an app that tracks all their activities and sends alerts when they’re not sleeping or spending time outdoors adequately.

This is how you can frame this.  

4W Canvas Free Template

I have created a free template that you can download here and use for problem statements.

Once you have downloaded the template, use it to frame problem statement for any problem you would like to solve. Or any problem you think you can solve. Just for practice, you know!

And if you have any questions, drop a comment and I promise to answer.