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• Problem Solving Skills

What are the most important problem solving skills?

by Clementine Benfield 19 December 2023

Our work lives are full of problems, in all sizes and levels of severity. As we all know, the tiniest niggle can fast become a significant issue if not dealt with appropriately. A productive workplace is imperative for hitting targets, and to achieve this, strategic problem solving is necessary.

Being prepared to learn is the first step, but you also need to develop the skills and techniques to successfully solve problems and make decisions. Once you’re equipped with the tools you need, there’s no complication you can’t overcome.

The outcome mindset: what is problem solving?

How do you approach problems?

Many of us have the same “problem orientation”: automatically perceiving an event as a "problem" and thus framing it negatively. We feel anxiety, reacting unconstructively as a result, either by ignoring the issue or seeking the easiest resolution, which isn’t always right.

The "outcome" mindset is a fantastic alternative. By switching our focus away from the roadblock and instead visualising positive outcomes, we steer clear of negative thinking, avoid wasting time by spiralling, and proactively look for solutions. Re-framing your problem as a challenge, or even an opportunity for improvement, can help you develop a long-term problem-solving strategy that benefits all aspects of your work.

Problem-solving skills and examples

There are many problem-solving tricks and techniques you can employ. Each one works well individually, but they are especially useful when utilised in tandem with each other to form a broader strategy. Let’s take a look at some.

• Creative thinking

Exploring problems from different angles is often key to solving them. When we let our assumptions and biases lead us, we can overlook or unfairly dismiss potential solutions. If you’d normally ask a certain colleague about something, try getting another perspective!

• Team working

Having confidence in your ability to problem solve is great, but stubbornly refusing help is counterproductive to a successful Agile team. It’s not just about reaching out to others for support and suggestions, but sharing your expertise and ideas with others as well.

• Emotional intelligence

Daniel Goleman’s theory of emotional intelligence enables a more positive approach to problem solving. By successfully understanding, managing, and wielding our emotions, we can adapt how we feel and ensure strong emotions don’t cloud our judgements.

• Decision making

Decision making encompasses several other problem-solving approaches: take the information you’ve gathered, and use it to make a situational judgement based on what you know. Don’t get bogged down in the details: stick to facts!

• Time management

Managing your time properly is guaranteed to make problem solving easier. Worrying about finding time to get to the bottom of something means you’re not giving your sole focus to the issue at hand. The more organised you are, the less stressed you’ll be, and the quicker answers will come.

• Analytical thinking

By approaching your problem from a critical perspective, you can apply logic and reason to analyse any situation and form an evaluation, which ultimately helps you come to the answer you were looking for.

• Communication

A problem shared is a problem halved! One of the easiest ways to solve a problem is to talk about it, and when you communicate clearly and efficiently with everybody on your team, you’re one step closer to your solution.

• Research skills

How often have you spent hours searching, only to realise you were looking in the wrong place all along? Knowing exactly where to go and what to search for will massively reduce wasted time and effort, so you can get back to problem solving.

The problem-solving cycle

When a problem first presents itself, our brains can enter default mode, searching for familiarity.

This can lead us to confuse a new problem with ones we’ve encountered before. At work, it’s likely you waste valuable time fixing problems that occur regularly. This is "single-loop learning" – we don’t establish why the problem is occurring in the first place, the root cause, so it keeps coming back.

Once you’ve addressed that root cause, you can try to stop its symptoms from recurring, otherwise known as "double-loop learning". The key to success here is to use a structured approach, like the problem-solving cycle below.

First, identify the problem at hand – what exactly is the issue? Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to gather all the information you require, and identify the all-important root cause.

Having determined this, you can then begin to generate possible solutions and decide which one is best before implementing. It doesn’t stop there, however; monitoring the issue and conducting a review afterwards helps avoid single-loop learning, so hopefully the problem won’t reoccur.

How is problem solving changing in a VUCA world?

We live in a world of ever-accelerating change and digital transformation, often referred to as VUCA – volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Leaders play a key role in enabling their people, teams, and organisations to successfully navigate this environment, and one element of this is their approach to problem solving.

Professor Keith Grint believes that too often, leaders establish themselves as answer-givers –responding to requests with only a "do this or that” approach. The mistake here is this usually results in complex problems being treated as simple ones.

Grint notes that many problems in modern, digital organisations are far from simple and may have no single solution – or no solution at all, just opportunities to move forward. Adopting this approach also means organisations become dependent on their leaders for answers; people don’t learn to think for themselves.

Problem solving in the future requires leaders to ask questions, not give answers, encouraging and empowering their people and organisations to become individual problem-solvers, dealing with complexity in a more Agile and intelligent way.

The importance of problem solving skills

Whether in your own team or the wider working environment, problem-solving strategies are a vital set of skills you absolutely want on your toolbelt, making you as efficient, effective, and employable as you can be.

QA offer a range of professional training, including decision making courses , and training in leadership and management and project management . 

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QA Analyst Skills

Learn about the skills that will be most essential for QA Analysts in 2024.

Getting Started as a QA Analyst

• What is a QA Analyst
• How To Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
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What Skills Does a QA Analyst Need?

Find the important skills for any job.

Types of Skills for QA Analysts

Analytical skills and attention to detail, technical proficiency and tool expertise, problem-solving and critical thinking, communication and collaboration, adaptability and continuous learning, top hard skills for qa analysts.

Essential QA Analyst skills encompass test automation, SDLC expertise, and a strong grasp of performance, security, and API testing for quality software delivery.

• Test Automation and Scripting
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Defect Tracking and Management
• Performance and Load Testing
• API Testing Skills
• Database/SQL Proficiency
• Security Testing Fundamentals
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Practices
• Version Control Systems Knowledge
• Understanding of Coding and Programming Languages

Top Soft Skills for QA Analysts

Fostering meticulous analysis, clear communication, and team synergy to ensure quality and user satisfaction in dynamic tech landscapes.

• Attention to Detail
• Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
• Effective Communication
• Problem-Solving Abilities
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Team Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Empathy and User-Centric Mindset
• Continuous Learning and Improvement
• Stress Management and Resilience

Most Important QA Analyst Skills in 2024

Automation and scripting proficiency, understanding of devops and ci/cd practices, test planning and strategy formulation, knowledge of multiple testing types, problem-solving and analytical skills, soft skills: communication and collaboration, continuous learning and adaptability, customer-centric mindset.

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• Master Automation Tools and Frameworks: Invest time in learning and mastering the latest automation tools like Selenium, Appium, or Cypress, and frameworks such as Cucumber or TestNG, to increase efficiency and accuracy in testing.
• Deepen Understanding of Software Development Lifecycles: Gain a comprehensive understanding of various software development methodologies, including Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices, to better align QA processes with development workflows.
• Expand Technical Skills: Enhance your coding skills in relevant programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript, which are often used in test script development and automation.
• Learn Performance and Security Testing: Develop expertise in non-functional testing areas like performance, load, and security testing to provide a more holistic approach to quality assurance.
• Adopt Test Management Tools: Familiarize yourself with test management tools such as JIRA, TestRail, or qTest to improve test planning, execution, and reporting capabilities.
• Participate in QA Communities and Forums: Engage with online QA communities, attend webinars, and contribute to forums to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
• Acquire Certifications: Obtain industry-recognized certifications like ISTQB, CSTE, or Certified Agile Tester to validate your skills and knowledge in the field of QA.
• Practice Data Analysis and Reporting: Develop data analysis skills to interpret test results effectively and communicate insights clearly through comprehensive reporting.
• Explore AI and Machine Learning: Delve into AI and machine learning concepts to understand how they can be leveraged in test automation and predictive analytics for QA.
• Focus on Soft Skills: Strengthen soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and advocating for quality.

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What are the emerging skills for qa analysts today, how can qa analysts effectivley develop their soft skills, how important is technical expertise for qa analysts.

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Ensuring software quality, detecting bugs, and enhancing user experience seamlessly

Driving efficiency in software testing, ensuring flawless functionality through automation

Ensuring software quality, detecting bugs, and enhancing user experience with precision

Ensuring software excellence, detecting bugs and enhancing user experience with precision

Building innovative applications, transforming ideas into user-friendly digital solutions

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15 QA Interview Questions: How to Assess QA Specialists

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Quality assurance (QA) specialists play a critical role in ensuring the quality of software and applications. They are responsible for designing and implementing testing processes, identifying defects, and collaborating with development teams to improve product functionality. With the rising demand for high-quality software, the need for skilled QA specialists is experiencing steady growth.

Key facts and data

• Average salary:   The   median salary for QA specialists   is around $70,962 (USD) per year, according to Glassdoor. However, the salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, expertise, and location.
• Industry growth:   The need for QA specialists is   expected to grow by 25%   from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing reliance on software and technological advancements.
• Typical entry-level education:   Most QA specialists hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, practical experience and certifications can also be valuable assets in this profession.
• Employment change:   The demand for QA specialists is expected to increase due to the continual growth of the software industry and the need for effective testing processes. On average,   153,900 openings for software developers , quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year until 2032.

Now, let's explore 15 common QA specialist interview questions that can help recruiters assess a candidate's skills and knowledge.

1. Can you explain the importance of QA testing in the software development process?

Aim:   Assessing the candidate's understanding of the QA role and their ability to communicate its significance. Key skills assessed:   Knowledge of software development lifecycle, attention to detail, communication skills.

What to look for

This is one of the most common software testing interview questions for freshers (new graduates) as it focuses on knowledge instead of experience. Look for answers that highlight the candidate's understanding of the QA process and its impact on product quality. The candidate should mention the importance of identifying and resolving defects early in the development cycle to save time and resources.

Example answer

"QA testing is crucial as it helps identify defects and quality issues before the software is released to end-users. It ensures the application meets client requirements, improves user satisfaction, and avoids costly fixes after deployment."

2. Can you describe your approach to testing and improving QA?

Aim:   Evaluating the candidate's problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and continuous improvement mindset. Key skills assessed:   Analytical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail.

The candidate should explain their process for analyzing requirements, designing test cases, executing tests, and documenting defects. Look for an emphasis on continuous improvement, such as implementing new testing techniques, tools, or automation processes.

"I start by thoroughly understanding the requirements and design test cases accordingly. I execute tests, document any defects found, and work closely with the development team to address them. I believe in continuous improvement, so I regularly review and refine my testing strategies, embrace new tools, and stay updated with industry best practices."

3. How do you prioritize testing efforts when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Aim:   Evaluating the candidate's multitasking abilities and ability to prioritize effectively. Key skills assessed:   Time management, organization, prioritization.

The candidate should explain their approach to analyzing project schedules, evaluating project risks, and identifying critical features that require priority testing. Look for the ability to balance competing priorities, delegate tasks if needed, and communicate effectively with project stakeholders.

"When faced with multiple projects, I start by evaluating project schedules and identifying critical features. I prioritize testing efforts based on project deadlines and risks. If necessary, I delegate tasks and collaborate with the team to ensure that critical functionalities are thoroughly tested within the given timeframes."

4. Describe your experience with manual testing.

Aim:   Assessing the candidate's experience and expertise in manual testing. Key skills assessed:   Attention to detail, understanding of testing methodologies, bug tracking.

Look for candidates who can explain the different types of manual testing they have performed, such as functional testing, regression testing, and exploratory testing. Including interview questions on manual testing will help you assess the candidate’s knowledge of bug tracking tools and their experience in identifying and documenting defects effectively.

"I have extensive experience in manual testing, including functional testing, regression testing, and exploratory testing. I have a strong understanding of testing methodologies, and I'm proficient in using bug tracking tools to document and track defects. In my previous role, I successfully identified critical issues that improved application stability and user experience."

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5. How would you approach automating the testing process?

Aim:   Assessing the candidate's knowledge and experience with test automation. Key skills assessed:   Test automation, scripting, programming knowledge.

QA automation interview questions should be a part of your hiring process. The candidate should demonstrate an understanding of test automation frameworks, tools, and scripting languages. Look for experience with automation tools such as Selenium or Cucumber and the ability to explain how automation can improve testing efficiency and coverage.

"I believe in leveraging automation to improve testing efficiency and coverage. I have experience with automation tools such as Selenium, and I'm proficient in scripting languages like Python or Java. I would start by analyzing the testing process, identifying repetitive tasks that can be automated, and then design and implement test scripts to streamline the testing process."

6. How do you handle a situation where a bug is difficult to reproduce?

Aim:   Evaluating the candidate's problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues. Key skills assessed:   Troubleshooting, analytical thinking, attention to detail.

The candidate should explain their approach to troubleshooting complex or intermittent bugs. Look for problem-solving techniques such as analyzing logs, replicating steps, and collaborating with development teams to narrow down the root cause. They should emphasize the importance of clear and detailed bug reports.

"When faced with a difficult-to-reproduce bug, I start by analyzing logs and replicating the steps meticulously. I collaborate closely with the development team to narrow down the root cause, asking for their insights and suggestions. I document the steps taken and provide clear and detailed bug reports to aid in the resolution process."

7. How do you ensure your test cases cover all the requirements?

Aim:   Assessing the candidate's attention to detail and ability to create comprehensive test coverage. Key skills assessed:   Requirement analysis, attention to detail, test case design.

The candidate should explain their process for analyzing requirements, identifying test scenarios, and designing test cases. Look for an emphasis on traceability between requirements and test cases and techniques such as boundary value analysis or equivalence partitioning to ensure comprehensive test coverage.

"I start by thoroughly analyzing the requirements and identifying test scenarios. I then design test cases that cover both positive and negative scenarios, ensuring traceability between requirements and test cases. To ensure comprehensive coverage, I employ techniques such as boundary value analysis or equivalence partitioning."

8. How do you handle time constraints when executing test cases?

Aim:   Evaluating the candidate's ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Key skills assessed:   Time management, prioritization, multitasking.

The candidate should explain their approach to managing time constraints, such as prioritizing critical test cases and focusing on high-impact areas. Look for effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with the development team to ensure that testing efforts are aligned with project timelines.

"When facing time constraints, I prioritize critical test cases and focus on high-impact areas. I collaborate closely with the development team to discuss priorities and ensure that our testing efforts align with project timelines. Effective communication and smart prioritization help me make the most of the available time while maintaining the highest quality standards."

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9. How do you ensure effective communication with development teams during the testing process?

Aim:   Assessing the candidate's communication and collaboration skills. Key skills assessed:   Communication, collaboration, teamwork.

The candidate should emphasize the importance of regular communication and collaboration with development teams. Look for examples of effective communication methods such as daily stand-ups, bug triaging meetings, and clear bug reports. When candidates answer these types of quality assurance interview questions, they should also mention their ability to convey complex technical issues in a clear and concise manner.

"Effective communication with development teams is crucial to ensure seamless collaboration. I believe in regular communication methods such as daily stand-ups or bug triaging meetings, where we can discuss the latest updates and address any concerns. Clear and detailed bug reports are also essential to convey complex technical issues in a concise manner."

10. Have you ever encountered a situation where your testing process found a critical defect that could have had a significant impact on the end users? How did you handle it?

Aim:   Evaluating the candidate's ability to handle high-pressure situations and make critical decisions. Key skills assessed:   Decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking.

The candidate should demonstrate their ability to remain calm under pressure and make critical decisions. Look for examples of their problem-solving skills, communication, and collaboration with stakeholders to address the defect promptly.

"Yes, I have encountered a situation where our testing process uncovered a critical defect that could have had a significant impact on end users. I immediately escalated the issue to the development team and the project stakeholders, clearly explaining the potential impact. We collaborated intensively to address the defect promptly. Our quick reaction allowed us to fix the issue before deployment and saved our end users from a potentially negative experience."

11. How do you ensure your testing process is aligned with agile development methodologies?

Aim:   Assessing the candidate's understanding of agile methodologies and their ability to adapt testing processes accordingly. Key skills assessed:   Agile development, adaptability, collaboration.

The candidate should demonstrate their understanding of agile development methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban. They should explain how they align their testing processes with agile principles, such as participating in sprint planning, conducting regular retrospectives, and collaborating closely with development teams throughout the iteration.

"I'm well-versed in agile development methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban. To ensure alignment, I actively participate in sprint planning and collaborate closely with development teams throughout the iteration. I conduct regular retrospectives to identify areas for improvement, and I adapt my testing processes accordingly to meet project goals and deliver high-quality software within each sprint."

12. How do you stay on top of the latest trends and advancements in the QA field?

Aim:   Evaluating the candidate's commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Key skills assessed:   Self-motivation, willingness to learn, adaptability.

Look for candidates who showcase their commitment to staying updated with the latest QA trends and advancements. They should mention learning resources such as industry blogs, webinars, or conferences they regularly follow to enhance their knowledge and skills.

"I believe in continuous learning and professional development. I stay updated with the latest QA trends and advancements by regularly reading industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in relevant conferences. I'm also an active member of professional QA communities where we share knowledge and exchange best practices."

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13. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within a team?

Aim:   Assessing the candidate's conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain a positive team dynamic. Key skills assessed:   Conflict resolution, teamwork, emotional intelligence.

The candidate should explain their approach to resolving conflicts within a team. Look for skills such as active listening, empathy, and the ability to find common ground. They should also emphasize their ability to maintain a positive and collaborative team environment.

"When conflicts or disagreements arise within a team, I believe in active listening and empathy. I strive to understand different perspectives and find common ground by facilitating open and respectful communication. By fostering a positive team dynamic, conflicts can be resolved effectively, and collaboration can thrive."

14. Can you share an example of a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the challenges?

Aim:   Evaluating the candidate's problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience. Key skills assessed:   Problem-solving, adaptability, resilience.

Look for a candidate who can share a specific example of a challenging project and explain how they overcame the associated challenges. They should showcase their ability to analyze the situation, formulate a plan, and take necessary steps to address the challenges. Look for resilience and a positive attitude throughout the process.

"I once worked on a project with a tight deadline and complex requirements. It required collaborating with a remote team across different time zones. To overcome the challenges, I first analyzed the situation and formulated a plan, breaking down the work into manageable tasks and delegating responsibilities effectively. I maintained regular communication with the remote team, ensuring that everyone was aligned and motivated. By fostering a positive and collaborative environment, we successfully met the project deadline and delivered a high-quality product."

15. How do you handle working under tight deadlines or high-pressure situations?

Aim:   Assessing the candidate’s ability to perform under pressure and manage time effectively. Key skills assessed:   Time management, stress management, adaptability.

The candidate should explain their approach to managing tight deadlines or high-pressure situations, such as effective time management, task prioritization, and stress management techniques. Look for candidates who can remain calm, focused, and deliver high-quality results even under pressure.

"When faced with tight deadlines or high-pressure situations, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I break down the work into manageable chunks, ensuring effective time management. I also practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing or taking short breaks to maintain focus and productivity. By staying organized and maintaining clear communication, I can achieve high-quality results even under pressure."

Familiarizing yourself with these QA testing interview questions and answers will help you improve your hiring process. Be sure to include a mix of automation and manual testing questions, as well as questions on collaboration, time management, and problem-solving.

By asking candidates to provide specific examples to support their answers, you can ensure they confidently showcase their skills, experience, and knowledge during the interview. This will help you make more informed evaluations of their potential fit for the role.

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Quality Observations: Key Strategies for Effective Problem Solving

• The problem tends to be described incorrectly;
• There may be a lack of or insufficient structure in the problem solving process;
• A lack of urgency;
• Management impatience;
• A lack of follow-through to prevent the problem from recurring;
• The problem solving effort has been “expedited” by skipping process steps; or
• Poor execution of or ineffective corrective actions. The Future of Quality

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30 tricky QA interview questions to ask your interviewees

Are you looking for ways to evaluate a quality assurance software tester and hire a professional who will be a real asset to your business? If so, there are many skills that you’ll need to examine closely when narrowing down and interviewing candidates.

Soft and hard skills are equally important for quality assurance software testing, helping applicants collaborate with teams and test the quality of their applications. However, finding candidates with the perfect skill set can be a real challenge — this is where we can help.

With several QA analyst tests, you can quickly evaluate your applicants’ knowledge and skills. These tests can be paired with candidate interviews to help you learn about each applicant’s experience and find the perfect fit.

But which questions should you ask? This can be the tricky bit and have a significant impact on the candidate that you hire. Fortunately for you, we have compiled a list of questions that you can use during your interview process.

Explore our 30 QA interview questions to determine if your applicants have the experience needed to test and create flawless software, and ensure you select the perfect match for your business.

Table of contents

30 tricky qa interview questions to ask candidates, how should you use tricky qa interview questions in the hiring process, assess applicants with our tricky qa interview questions and skills tests.

We’ve gathered 30 tricky QA interview questions about experience, technical knowledge, skills, and definitions. Add some of these questions to your list and use them in interviews to learn more about your candidates’ expertise.

1. Please explain what “quality assurance” means.

This tricky QA interview question may initially seem simple, but applicants must respond clearly and succinctly. 

Candidates should know that “quality assurance” is a process testers complete to ensure software meets an SRS document’s specifications. They should also have no problem explaining that SRS documents are “software requirement specification” files that describe the functionality the software should have.

The best answers will acknowledge that software quality assurance involves identifying errors, bugs, and gaps that conflict with the specifications in the SRS document. It’s a crucial process involving writing tests to automate each testing stage, which market experts predict will increase by 15% by 2032 .

2. Is there a difference between software testing and quality assurance?

With software testing, testers aim to fix errors they notice during the testing process, while QA sees testers focus on preventing mistakes from happening in the first place. Candidates should know that quality assurance (QA) ensures the software complies with every specification, and testing involves checking the product’s flaws.

Look for candidates who know that software testing happens after developers write the code and quality assurance happens in the software development phase.

3. Can you tell us why problem-solving skills are important for QA testers?

Problem-solving skills are an integral part of QA testing. Expert QA testers can narrow their search for errors and bugs with problem-solving skills and locate bugs faster.

Problem-solving ability is also essential for helping testers:

Select the correct tools to fix errors

Consider the cost versus value risk when completing testing actions

Acknowledge which methods might create extra problems for the software in the future

With these advantages in mind, assessing your applicants’ problem-solving skills is important. The simplest way to handle this is with a Problem solving skills test , which will tell you if your applicants can break down complex tasks and find methods to solve issues.

4. Why is quality assurance critical in software development?

Quality assurance is critical in software development because it helps testers achieve a few crucial goals. With QA techniques, testers can:

Enhance application security

Ensure the application meets industry-specific requirements

Guarantee that the software complies with data privacy regulations

Since complex, full-scale apps can cost more than $150,000 to develop, producing a high-quality application is essential to yield a good return on investment. QA processes are ideal for this, ensuring the software contains minimal defects and aligns with the end customer’s requirements. 

Applicants with QA experience can repair flaws easily and use test execution tools. They’ll also understand that repairing flaws ensures the software’s final output is perfect. Check if your applicant understands how these processes affect the end client to evaluate their knowledge and experience.

5. Can you explain the quality assurance process lifecycle?

The quality assurance lifecycle is a critical series of events that comprise the QA process. Candidates who understand this process are likely familiar with quality assurance and will be able to mention the three main steps involved in the process, including to:

Plan . The team specifies the processes they should follow to provide high-caliber software when planning the QA process.

Do . The testers initiate the procedures and test them.

Check . The team monitors the operations to check if they meet the needs of the end users.

If you’re looking for more information about your candidate’s QA lifecycle knowledge, don’t forget to ask them about their specific actions to complete these three steps.

6. Please tell us how test plans are different from test strategies.

Knowledgeable applicants should understand the main differences between test plans and strategies. This knowledge is key because it shows that candidates know why each strategy is important. 

You’re looking for applicants who can explain that test plans are documents that outline the strategy and approach of a software testing effort. In response to this tricky QA interview question, candidates should be able to explain that test strategies are rules that establish the test design.

Candidates should also know and be able to explain that a long-term test plan can change, whereas a tester cannot adjust a test strategy.

7. What do you understand by the word “build” in quality assurance?

“Build” in quality assurance refers to converting source code into software artifacts. Developers or testers can run these artifacts, which are typically versions of programs that customers can use.

However, testers can test each build if they don’t satisfy the requirements before release. Candidates should also understand that several builds contribute to one release. 

8. Can you explain how attention to detail can make a difference in quality assurance?

With good attention to detail, testers can create software that has peak quality. This ensures all tasks and projects meet the specifications of the business and mitigates minor details or defects.

This skill can make a difference because a lot of web application development occurs in an integrated development environment (IDE) where candidates cannot see the final result. Despite this, testers can use attention to detail to ensure they build the code and systems perfectly.

Determine whether your candidates have top attention to detail to anticipate any software defects with our Attention to detail skills test .

9. What do you understand by the word “release” in quality assurance?

A “release” in quality assurance refers to the software’s official release. The outcome of this process means that customers can access a software application’s newest version.

Experienced candidates will know that software releases can happen publicly or privately. Each release can include updates or functions, but candidates should also know that there are different types of releases, including:

Alpha releases . This is the first software release to a limited group of users.

Beta releases . This is a more stable version release that a larger group of users receive. Organizations use the 80/20 rule to complete beta testing, which states that 80% of the clients use 20% of the app’s features. Therefore, testers focus on those specific features in a beta test.

10. Please explain what “bug leakage” means.

“Bug leakage” is a critical term that testers use in relation to bug management. The phrase describes a situation in which testers cannot detect or resolve a bug, and users discover it upon software release.

You’re looking for candidates who know the main causes of bug leakage, such as insufficient test cases or testing coverage. If candidates respond to this tricky QA interview question by discussing the correlation between bug leakage and negative user experiences, they may be ideal for your vacancy.

11. Please explain what “bug release” means.

If a tester includes defects when they release software and know there are some issues with it, they call this a “bug release.” 

The best answers will explain that although bugs aren’t ideal for the user experience, testers complete bug releases after serious thought and consideration. Normally they will weigh the benefits and risks and consider the project constraints before proceeding with a bug release.

12. Please describe why Python skills are important for quality assurance.

Most quality assurance testers will know that programming languages like Python are important for the role. What’s important is to ensure that your candidates can explain why. Even though software assurance QA testers don’t need to code as much as web developers, they still need Python skills to:

Write automated scripts for testing

Complete unit testing

Create custom-made testing tools 

These actions can enhance the efficiency and speed of the testing process and minimize repetitive actions. They also ensure candidates can identify extra defects and receive more reliable outcomes than with manual tests.

Check your applicants’ Python skills with our Python skills test to guarantee your next hire can achieve these advantages.

13. Can you explain what “monkey testing” means in quality assurance?

“Monkey testing” is a method for testing software. Testers generate random inputs to assess the software’s behavior to complete this process. 

The most impressive candidates will know that random inputs can take several forms. For instance, a tester might generate several random keystrokes or button clicks to check which actions will cause the application to crash or produce errors.

Candidates will also know that this process is handy if the software interacts with many inputs — in which case, it would be impossible to test all the combinations with other methods.

14. Can you explain what “gorilla testing” means in quality assurance?

Experienced applicants will understand that “gorilla testing” involves using methods to test specific software functionalities. The process requires testers to:

Identify specific areas . Testers find out which software functionalities they should test.

Define testing scenarios . QA testers define the specific real-world scenarios in which they will examine the functionalities.

Execute tests . Testers execute the test scenarios they establish and follow the required test steps.

Analyze the results . QA testers then observe the functions of the software and check for any unexpected behavior.

Iterate tests . Testers complete iteration to incorporate the feedback from all test scenarios.

Report bugs . QA testers report the bugs and detailed information to the software development team. The development team then improves the software and eliminates bugs.

It’s important to consider whether candidates know the benefits of gorilla testing before you hire them. Check if candidates are aware that this approach improves the quality of the software and ensures business requirements align with the software’s critical functionalities.

15. What do you understand about “testware”? Can you explain what this term refers to?

“Testware” is a group of artifacts that testers create when they complete tests. Your best candidates will provide examples of testware when responding to this tricky QA interview question. Some examples include:

Documentation

Teardown methods

Setup methods

They’ll also know how these examples differ from regular software and that testers create testware for multiple users to complete several quality assessment measures.

16. Name one soft skill that helps you complete quality assurance duties.

From time management and collaboration to motivation and adaptability, many soft skills help QA testers to complete their work. 

Motivation is particularly important because it can prevent employees from becoming one of the 40% of workers who want to quit their jobs. Time management is fundamental for candidates who must complete work within specific milestones.

One easy way to assess some of these skills is with the correct testing, such as our Motivation or Time management test . Use these during candidate sourcing to find the best professionals.

17. Could you explain what a “traceability matrix” is?

A “traceability matrix” is a document that testers use to track and confirm the development process of specific components. It helps businesses compare the components of the system and provides facts about the project’s completion requirements.

Applicants should be able to mention a few features of a traceability matrix, such as identifiers in the top row and identifications in the left columns.

18. Please explain what “verification” means.

“Verification” is a process in which testers evaluate software systems to ensure developers have created them correctly. One other objective of verification is to ensure the software matches its design.

The most knowledgeable candidates will understand and be able to name a few examples of verification strategies, including:

Static analysis

Inspections

Walkthroughs

Applicants should also know that these strategies work for examining software artifacts, including design documents and source code.

19. Please explain what “validation” means.

“Validation” takes place after verification in software development. Testers use this process to check whether the software system meets the stakeholders’ expectations and needs.

The verification process involves black- and white-box testing, non-functional testing, and code execution to check if the software product is reliable and usable.

Candidates who respond to this tricky QA interview question should also know that validation involves discovering issues that testers couldn’t catch during the software verification stage.

20. Could you tell us what “retesting” means? 

Your best applicants will know that the retesting process is a method in which testers check test cases in the final execution. These test cases typically spot bugs or defects, and testers send them to developers to remedy them. 

Once the developers fix the bugs, they send the test cases back to the testers so they can begin the validation process. The procedure is often ongoing until they use skills to fix all the bugs in the software.

21. Can you tell us what “regression testing” means? 

The regression testing process refers to a validation technique related to code updates. Testers use this method to see if code updates have impacted the software’s functions or features.

Applicants should understand that the regression testing process is ideal for approved test cases and ensures that developers have fixed any flaws in the code. They’ll also understand that testers can use automation to facilitate regression testing, and explain how this helps them accurately check specific application parts and avoid completing repetitive tasks.

22. Can you tell us how critical thinking helps QA testers with their work?

Critical thinking is an essential QA software tester skill that helps applicants evaluate information, identify risks, and make decisions based on the data they gather.

In the test design process, testers must use critical thinking to create effective test cases and guarantee comprehensive testing processes. They must also use critical-thinking abilities to complete defect analysis and examine logs to find the root causes of errors.

Evaluating your applicants’ critical-thinking skills is important to ensure that they can complete these duties. Many QA software advertisements reflect the 158 % increase in demand for critical-thinking skills in early careers. If you’re looking for this skill, use our Critical thinking test to assess candidates.

23. What do you understand about quality audits?

Quality audits are part of software testing. In this process, testers compare products to the expected standards and follow specific steps, including to:

Conduct a process evaluation

Complete a compliance assessment

Carry out a documentation review

Analyze the software’s performance

Review defect management processes

Candidates should know that quality audits ensure software complies with industry best practices, and understand why these audits are important. Ask applicants about their quality audit experience to learn about their software QA knowledge.

24. Can you explain what the “defect leakage ratio” is?

Software testers use the defect leakage ratio to check how successful their QA testing process is. It’s also ideal for determining the number of problems testers don’t notice during the QA testing process.

Candidates should know that the specific formula to determine the defect leakage ratio is:

Defect leakage = number of defects that users report after release / total defects testers find x 100

25. What do you understand about cause-effect graphs?

Cause-effect graphs are related to black-box testing methods. They identify the lowest number of test cases required to test the product’s full scope and use a set of decision rules that the tester specifies. 

These graphs have several advantages — they help companies optimize test cases, understand system behavior, and ensure they test all of the system’s requirements.

They’re also ideal for improving the quality of the software and making it easy to trace requirements to specific input-output pairings.

Discover more about your applicants’ cause-effect graph knowledge by asking about their experience with them and the positive outcomes they’ve achieved. Always ask for specific experiences to ensure that your candidates have the right knowledge.

26. Name some test cases you should select for regression testing.

Many software quality assurance testers complete regression testing to ensure that their updates do not affect the product’s operation. It’s a crucial test because it ensures the changes work without hindering the software. To complete this process, applicants may use a few specific test cases, such as:

Login functionality to determine whether the login functionality works correctly after making changes 

Data integrity to validate that the database structure changes don’t cause data integrity problems

Performance testing to ensure the application’s response time meets the tester’s expectations

Compatibility testing to guarantee that the application is compatible with various operating systems, browsers, and devices 

Applicants should know that each application will have specific test cases during regression testing, and that this depends on the app’s features or the changes developers make.

27. What do you understand about non-functional testing?

Expert software quality assurance professionals should understand and be able to explain that non-functional testing involves validating non-functional elements. A couple of those elements include software performance and reliability. Your applicants should have no problem mentioning a few features of non-functional testing, including that it:

Is based on the client’s expectations

Can be difficult to execute manually

Takes place after functional testing

To show their expertise, your candidates might also explain that the process enhances the user experience, mitigates business risks by enhancing application security, and increases the system’s reliability — all of these responses will indicate their skills.

28. What do you understand about functional testing?

Functional testing is a process that testers use to check the individual features of software applications to ensure they meet the company’s requirements. The process involves validating the software’s behavior.

Good answers to this tricky QA interview question will also refer to the advantages of functional testing, including that it:

Facilitates the tracking process

Makes it easy for testers to assess the system in several conditions

Helps testers know if there are any issues with functionality before they become a problem

29. How do you know when it’s time to stop testing?

Since some circumstances require project managers to cancel testing early, QA testers must know how to determine when the software has undergone enough testing.

This process isn’t always easy, but top applicants will know that specific considerations can help teams decide when to stop testing.

A few examples of these considerations include to:

Check if testers have met the release or testing deadline

Take note of the test case pass rate

Determine if the project’s risk level is lower than the level permitted

Consider if the team has removed the important bugs

See whether the application meets the specifications or requirements

30. Please tell us about your communication skills. How do you use them for quality assurance?

Some applicants might know that communication skills are important for QA testers, but strong applicants will be able to expand on this. When responding to this tricky QA interview question, your candidates should dig deeper into their communication skills.

You’re looking for candidates who can provide examples of how their communication skills help them complete job functions, such as writing clear and concise bug reports, collaborating with product managers, and writing test plans. As always, don’t be afraid to ask for examples.

The perfect candidate should be able to name examples of success they’ve enjoyed and victories they’ve achieved as a direct result of their communication skills. Make sure you ask them to explain their examples in detail — you can also use a Communication skills test to assess their verbal and written communication abilities.

The easiest, most efficient way to use tricky QA interview questions in the hiring process is to wait until you’ve received the results of your candidates’ skills assessments.

Asking candidates to complete a skills assessment first streamlines the hiring process by helping you select proficient applicants to interview instead of interviewing applicants without knowing if they have the necessary testing knowledge.

A few other advantages of using skills assessments first include:

Reduced unconscious bias

Quicker candidate selection

Enhanced candidate experience

Easier selection between multiple skilled QA software testers

Your hiring process can be simple and yield excellent results with the right tools and advice. By using skills assessments that feature QA analyst tests , or a QA skills test and tricky QA interview questions, you’re sure to find the right professional for your business.

Looking for more information about TestGorilla and skills testing? We recommend visiting our site and taking a look at our comprehensive test library. Once you’ve seen what our tests offer, sign up for a free demo to learn how our platform works.

Use TestGorilla in your hiring process to find experts for your company and start testing your software quickly and efficiently.

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11 Must Have QA Testing Skills for Software Testers

Sanjaykumar Ghinaiya

March 22, 2023

What are software tester skills?

#11 automating the process, #10 proficiency in programming languages, #09 knowledge of test management tools, #08 software development life cycle (sdlc), #07 agile methodology, #06 analytical skills, #05 excellent communication skills, #04 project management, #03 problem-solving, #02 planning and documentation, #01 continuous learning process.

•  Is testing a technical skill?

How can I improve my software testing skills?

To complete any professional assignment or job, a professional must have the necessary skill sets and knowledge. Although the requirements may differ depending on the profile, they must be well understood. 

This article will concentrate on several facets of becoming a software tester regarding the crucial abilities and information necessary to succeed in the industry.

The skills for software tester has two key sections, the first of which is the technical expertise needed to do the task without error. The soft abilities you need to have in addition to your technical implementation come next. 

Now, it’s essential to recognize that both abilities work together to produce the desired results. First, one must grasp software testing fundamentals to better understand these two crucial components.

Before making it available to customers, a software tester ensures a fully functional system or service. Developing observable hard and soft skills is frequently necessary for a career in this field. 

Skills for Software Tester: Definition and Skills 

Here we are reading about what are software tester skills and which are highly effective skills for software testers .

Before a corporation distributes a software system or service to the end customer, a software tester has to test the system’s or service’s functionality. You may need a mix of hard and soft talents to succeed in software testing.

Hard skills are the technical skills that help you find defects in a system. Soft skills help you perform your tasks efficiently and add value to the organization. 

Some examples of hard skills for software tester include knowledge about document preparation, database, test preparation, Linux commands, testing procedures, automation tools and issue tracking. Soft skills include analytical reasoning, communication, business awareness and organization.

11 Skills of Highly Effective Software Testers

You will need more than manual testing to get there because of the incorporation of the newest technologies, rising software complexity, and integrations in the application. 

Software testers or QA engineers should gain automation skills for testing browser compatibility, performance, and database and integration layers since it imparts more accuracy due to the business logic and technicality it may provide. 

Additionally, there are a number of test automation tools that fully complement the testing approach and have the capabilities to accomplish the duties efficiently.

Some of the popular test automation tools include:

• TestGrid  
• Katalon Studio

Having programming language knowledge is crucial if you want to improve your automation testing abilities. 

Software testers must be conversant in a standard programming language to interact more effectively with the IT department. Code coverage, statement coverage, and other automation testing techniques require an in-depth understanding of programming concepts.

You may design test cases, meet test requirements, manage resources, and do a lot more with the aid of test management systems. To prevent errors from entering production, test management expertise is essential. You should be familiar with the following test management tools:

• Testing specs, planning, reporting, and requirement tracking are all included in TestLink, one of the top test management solutions.
• TestPad is a compact test planner that strives to offer sufficient test procedures without requiring a complex test management infrastructure.
• QADeputy: It is a fully functional test management application created for small to medium-sized teams that significantly increase testing efficiency.
• TestRail is a test management platform that aids teams in organizing and monitoring software testing activities.

The software development life cycle is referred to as SDLC. Testers must understand the SDLC to organize testing cycles efficiently. They will be better able to understand software complexity and prevent them in the future by having more in-depth knowledge of the software development life cycle.

Thanks to the SDLC’s overall framework, they will be able to comprehend the tasks involved in application development and arrange the testing cycle properly. 

A thorough understanding of the SDLC cycle will also enable testers to foresee application complexity, which will help them decide on the best course of action in advance. Testers must also get familiar with alternative development mythologies, such as Kanban, Waterfall, Scrum, Lean, etc.

Read also: Everything You Must Know About SDLC Automation and Its Benefits

Agile testing follows the same concepts as agile software development in the software testing process. Agile testing is consistent with an iterative development approach in which the development aligns with the client’s needs.

Agile testing is a continuous, non-sequential process. Testing begins at the project’s outset, and testing and development are continuously integrated. The fundamental objective of agile development and testing is to produce high-quality products.

In this method, the team pushes themselves outside their comfort zones and produces high-quality results. Software testers should be well-versed in agile testing instruments like:

Appium, Selenium, Web Driver, JunoOne, JIRA.

A successful software tester needs to be a strong analyst. In doing so, the tester can simplify complex systems and thoroughly understand the code. Additionally, it will support the creation of better test cases, increasing the system’s overall productivity. 

The tester’s primary responsibility is to pinpoint the issue and offer the most effective action to resolve it. To succeed, they must be analytically inclined to assess the problems, faults, and security flaws.

Testers must communicate vocally and in writing with a variety of stakeholders.

As a result, you should be precise when expressing your views and ideas regarding the problem and its solution.

Depending on the stakeholder, a highly effective software tester should be able to describe the problem both technically and plainly. They should know how, when, and what to say during each position because communication is just as crucial as the testing itself.

You should be able to explain the flaw or process improvement to your coworkers who test software, as well as to developers, managers, designers, clients, and occasionally even the CEO.

• Write objective bug reports that every employee in the company should be able to understand.
• You can offer actual observations and recommendations for the product’s enhancement from the customer’s viewpoint.

Technical and business considerations are both included in software testing capabilities. Any tester must be able to take charge of the project to manage both. This means that after testing is finished, a tester delivers the project. 

Testers will develop problem-solving skills by learning project management techniques. In this manner, the testers will carry the responsibility and management of the end-to-end testing project and be responsible and answerable for their work to the relevant person. 

The ability to manage projects effectively is crucial for encouraging responsibility. By doing so, the tester can enhance the overall testing procedure and give the client high-quality results.

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for software testers , as it allows them to identify and resolve issues in the software they are testing. To be effective at problem-solving, software testers must deeply understand the software they are testing and the underlying technologies and systems that support it. 

They must also be familiar with industry best practices for testing and quality assurance. By developing this skill, software testers can improve their performance and contribute to the quality and success of the software they are testing.

Planning and documentation are essential skills for any software tester. Effective planning ensures that testing is carried out efficiently and effectively, while thorough documentation allows testers to keep track of their progress and results. 

Planning should include creating a test plan that outlines the scope, objectives, and approach for testing and identifies any risks or potential issues.

Documentation should include detailed records of the tests performed, the results obtained, and any identified defects or problems. These skills are critical for ensuring that software is of high quality and meets users’ needs.

Continuous learning is also one of the crucial skills for software tester . Today, technology is constantly evolving, and to be an effective tester, you should cope with the latest developments and techniques. 

This may involve attending workshops, conferences, or online courses, regularly reading industry publications and staying updated with new tools and software. 

Additionally, being open to feedback and learning from mistakes will help you improve your skills and become a better tester. By continuously learning, you can stay at the forefront of the field and provide valuable insights to your team.

In conclusion, QA testing is an essential step in the complete software development process and requires a specific set of skills to be done effectively. 

Some of the must-have skills for software testers include attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. 

Additionally, testers should have a good understanding of the software development process and be able to create and execute comprehensive test plans. 

They should also be familiar with various testing tools and techniques, such as automated and exploratory testing, and adapt to new technologies and methodologies as needed. Ultimately, having a solid foundation in these skills will help ensure that software is high quality and free of defects. To read more on the topics related to software testing and how you can do it with ease, head over to our blog section here.

 Is testing a technical skill?

Testing can be considered a technical skill because it requires a certain level of knowledge and expertise to properly design and execute tests to ensure a product’s or system’s quality. This can involve using specialized tools and techniques and understanding the underlying technology and how it is intended to function.

To improve your software testing skills , you can learn more about software testing principles and how to design practical test cases. You can also practice using various testing tools and techniques and consider taking a course or certification program to gain more in-depth knowledge. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry best practices and technological advancements can help you improve your skills.

Sanjaykumar Ghinaiya is the driving force behind Testgrid's innovation engine. With expertise and ingenuity, he propels the company forward, crafting a tomorrow where technology knows no bounds.

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35 problem-solving techniques and methods for solving complex problems

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All teams and organizations encounter challenges as they grow. There are problems that might occur for teams when it comes to miscommunication or resolving business-critical issues . You may face challenges around growth , design , user engagement, and even team culture and happiness. In short, problem-solving techniques should be part of every team’s skillset.

Problem-solving methods are primarily designed to help a group or team through a process of first identifying problems and challenges , ideating possible solutions , and then evaluating the most suitable .

Finding effective solutions to complex problems isn’t easy, but by using the right process and techniques, you can help your team be more efficient in the process.

So how do you develop strategies that are engaging, and empower your team to solve problems effectively?

In this blog post, we share a series of problem-solving tools you can use in your next workshop or team meeting. You’ll also find some tips for facilitating the process and how to enable others to solve complex problems.

Let’s get started! 

How do you identify problems?

How do you identify the right solution.

• Tips for more effective problem-solving

Complete problem-solving methods

• Problem-solving techniques to identify and analyze problems
• Problem-solving techniques for developing solutions

Problem-solving warm-up activities

Closing activities for a problem-solving process.

Before you can move towards finding the right solution for a given problem, you first need to identify and define the problem you wish to solve. 

Here, you want to clearly articulate what the problem is and allow your group to do the same. Remember that everyone in a group is likely to have differing perspectives and alignment is necessary in order to help the group move forward. 

Identifying a problem accurately also requires that all members of a group are able to contribute their views in an open and safe manner. It can be scary for people to stand up and contribute, especially if the problems or challenges are emotive or personal in nature. Be sure to try and create a psychologically safe space for these kinds of discussions.

Remember that problem analysis and further discussion are also important. Not taking the time to fully analyze and discuss a challenge can result in the development of solutions that are not fit for purpose or do not address the underlying issue.

Successfully identifying and then analyzing a problem means facilitating a group through activities designed to help them clearly and honestly articulate their thoughts and produce usable insight.

With this data, you might then produce a problem statement that clearly describes the problem you wish to be addressed and also state the goal of any process you undertake to tackle this issue.  

Finding solutions is the end goal of any process. Complex organizational challenges can only be solved with an appropriate solution but discovering them requires using the right problem-solving tool.

After you’ve explored a problem and discussed ideas, you need to help a team discuss and choose the right solution. Consensus tools and methods such as those below help a group explore possible solutions before then voting for the best. They’re a great way to tap into the collective intelligence of the group for great results!

Remember that the process is often iterative. Great problem solvers often roadtest a viable solution in a measured way to see what works too. While you might not get the right solution on your first try, the methods below help teams land on the most likely to succeed solution while also holding space for improvement.

Every effective problem solving process begins with an agenda . A well-structured workshop is one of the best methods for successfully guiding a group from exploring a problem to implementing a solution.

In SessionLab, it’s easy to go from an idea to a complete agenda . Start by dragging and dropping your core problem solving activities into place . Add timings, breaks and necessary materials before sharing your agenda with your colleagues.

The resulting agenda will be your guide to an effective and productive problem solving session that will also help you stay organized on the day!

Tips for more effective problem solving

Problem-solving activities are only one part of the puzzle. While a great method can help unlock your team’s ability to solve problems, without a thoughtful approach and strong facilitation the solutions may not be fit for purpose.

Let’s take a look at some problem-solving tips you can apply to any process to help it be a success!

Clearly define the problem

Jumping straight to solutions can be tempting, though without first clearly articulating a problem, the solution might not be the right one. Many of the problem-solving activities below include sections where the problem is explored and clearly defined before moving on.

This is a vital part of the problem-solving process and taking the time to fully define an issue can save time and effort later. A clear definition helps identify irrelevant information and it also ensures that your team sets off on the right track.

Don’t jump to conclusions

It’s easy for groups to exhibit cognitive bias or have preconceived ideas about both problems and potential solutions. Be sure to back up any problem statements or potential solutions with facts, research, and adequate forethought.

The best techniques ask participants to be methodical and challenge preconceived notions. Make sure you give the group enough time and space to collect relevant information and consider the problem in a new way. By approaching the process with a clear, rational mindset, you’ll often find that better solutions are more forthcoming.  

Try different approaches  

Problems come in all shapes and sizes and so too should the methods you use to solve them. If you find that one approach isn’t yielding results and your team isn’t finding different solutions, try mixing it up. You’ll be surprised at how using a new creative activity can unblock your team and generate great solutions.

Don’t take it personally 

Depending on the nature of your team or organizational problems, it’s easy for conversations to get heated. While it’s good for participants to be engaged in the discussions, ensure that emotions don’t run too high and that blame isn’t thrown around while finding solutions.

You’re all in it together, and even if your team or area is seeing problems, that isn’t necessarily a disparagement of you personally. Using facilitation skills to manage group dynamics is one effective method of helping conversations be more constructive.

Get the right people in the room

Your problem-solving method is often only as effective as the group using it. Getting the right people on the job and managing the number of people present is important too!

If the group is too small, you may not get enough different perspectives to effectively solve a problem. If the group is too large, you can go round and round during the ideation stages.

Creating the right group makeup is also important in ensuring you have the necessary expertise and skillset to both identify and follow up on potential solutions. Carefully consider who to include at each stage to help ensure your problem-solving method is followed and positioned for success.

Document everything

The best solutions can take refinement, iteration, and reflection to come out. Get into a habit of documenting your process in order to keep all the learnings from the session and to allow ideas to mature and develop. Many of the methods below involve the creation of documents or shared resources. Be sure to keep and share these so everyone can benefit from the work done!

Bring a facilitator 

Facilitation is all about making group processes easier. With a subject as potentially emotive and important as problem-solving, having an impartial third party in the form of a facilitator can make all the difference in finding great solutions and keeping the process moving. Consider bringing a facilitator to your problem-solving session to get better results and generate meaningful solutions!

Develop your problem-solving skills

It takes time and practice to be an effective problem solver. While some roles or participants might more naturally gravitate towards problem-solving, it can take development and planning to help everyone create better solutions.

You might develop a training program, run a problem-solving workshop or simply ask your team to practice using the techniques below. Check out our post on problem-solving skills to see how you and your group can develop the right mental process and be more resilient to issues too!

Design a great agenda

Workshops are a great format for solving problems. With the right approach, you can focus a group and help them find the solutions to their own problems. But designing a process can be time-consuming and finding the right activities can be difficult.

Check out our workshop planning guide to level-up your agenda design and start running more effective workshops. Need inspiration? Check out templates designed by expert facilitators to help you kickstart your process!

In this section, we’ll look at in-depth problem-solving methods that provide a complete end-to-end process for developing effective solutions. These will help guide your team from the discovery and definition of a problem through to delivering the right solution.

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing method or problem-solving model, these processes are a great place to start. They’ll ask your team to challenge preconceived ideas and adopt a mindset for solving problems more effectively.

• Six Thinking Hats
• Lightning Decision Jam
• Problem Definition Process
• Discovery & Action Dialogue

Design Sprint 2.0

• Open Space Technology

1. Six Thinking Hats

Individual approaches to solving a problem can be very different based on what team or role an individual holds. It can be easy for existing biases or perspectives to find their way into the mix, or for internal politics to direct a conversation.

Six Thinking Hats is a classic method for identifying the problems that need to be solved and enables your team to consider them from different angles, whether that is by focusing on facts and data, creative solutions, or by considering why a particular solution might not work.

Like all problem-solving frameworks, Six Thinking Hats is effective at helping teams remove roadblocks from a conversation or discussion and come to terms with all the aspects necessary to solve complex problems.

2. Lightning Decision Jam

Featured courtesy of Jonathan Courtney of AJ&Smart Berlin, Lightning Decision Jam is one of those strategies that should be in every facilitation toolbox. Exploring problems and finding solutions is often creative in nature, though as with any creative process, there is the potential to lose focus and get lost.

Unstructured discussions might get you there in the end, but it’s much more effective to use a method that creates a clear process and team focus.

In Lightning Decision Jam, participants are invited to begin by writing challenges, concerns, or mistakes on post-its without discussing them before then being invited by the moderator to present them to the group.

From there, the team vote on which problems to solve and are guided through steps that will allow them to reframe those problems, create solutions and then decide what to execute on. 

By deciding the problems that need to be solved as a team before moving on, this group process is great for ensuring the whole team is aligned and can take ownership over the next stages. 

Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ)   #action   #decision making   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #innovation   #design   #remote-friendly   The problem with anything that requires creative thinking is that it’s easy to get lost—lose focus and fall into the trap of having useless, open-ended, unstructured discussions. Here’s the most effective solution I’ve found: Replace all open, unstructured discussion with a clear process. What to use this exercise for: Anything which requires a group of people to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges. It’s always good to frame an LDJ session with a broad topic, here are some examples: The conversion flow of our checkout Our internal design process How we organise events Keeping up with our competition Improving sales flow

3. Problem Definition Process

While problems can be complex, the problem-solving methods you use to identify and solve those problems can often be simple in design. 

By taking the time to truly identify and define a problem before asking the group to reframe the challenge as an opportunity, this method is a great way to enable change.

Begin by identifying a focus question and exploring the ways in which it manifests before splitting into five teams who will each consider the problem using a different method: escape, reversal, exaggeration, distortion or wishful. Teams develop a problem objective and create ideas in line with their method before then feeding them back to the group.

This method is great for enabling in-depth discussions while also creating space for finding creative solutions too!

Problem Definition   #problem solving   #idea generation   #creativity   #online   #remote-friendly   A problem solving technique to define a problem, challenge or opportunity and to generate ideas.

4. The 5 Whys 

Sometimes, a group needs to go further with their strategies and analyze the root cause at the heart of organizational issues. An RCA or root cause analysis is the process of identifying what is at the heart of business problems or recurring challenges. 

The 5 Whys is a simple and effective method of helping a group go find the root cause of any problem or challenge and conduct analysis that will deliver results. 

By beginning with the creation of a problem statement and going through five stages to refine it, The 5 Whys provides everything you need to truly discover the cause of an issue.

The 5 Whys   #hyperisland   #innovation   This simple and powerful method is useful for getting to the core of a problem or challenge. As the title suggests, the group defines a problems, then asks the question “why” five times, often using the resulting explanation as a starting point for creative problem solving.

5. World Cafe

World Cafe is a simple but powerful facilitation technique to help bigger groups to focus their energy and attention on solving complex problems.

World Cafe enables this approach by creating a relaxed atmosphere where participants are able to self-organize and explore topics relevant and important to them which are themed around a central problem-solving purpose. Create the right atmosphere by modeling your space after a cafe and after guiding the group through the method, let them take the lead!

Making problem-solving a part of your organization’s culture in the long term can be a difficult undertaking. More approachable formats like World Cafe can be especially effective in bringing people unfamiliar with workshops into the fold. 

World Cafe   #hyperisland   #innovation   #issue analysis   World Café is a simple yet powerful method, originated by Juanita Brown, for enabling meaningful conversations driven completely by participants and the topics that are relevant and important to them. Facilitators create a cafe-style space and provide simple guidelines. Participants then self-organize and explore a set of relevant topics or questions for conversation.

6. Discovery & Action Dialogue (DAD)

One of the best approaches is to create a safe space for a group to share and discover practices and behaviors that can help them find their own solutions.

With DAD, you can help a group choose which problems they wish to solve and which approaches they will take to do so. It’s great at helping remove resistance to change and can help get buy-in at every level too!

This process of enabling frontline ownership is great in ensuring follow-through and is one of the methods you will want in your toolbox as a facilitator.

Discovery & Action Dialogue (DAD)   #idea generation   #liberating structures   #action   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   DADs make it easy for a group or community to discover practices and behaviors that enable some individuals (without access to special resources and facing the same constraints) to find better solutions than their peers to common problems. These are called positive deviant (PD) behaviors and practices. DADs make it possible for people in the group, unit, or community to discover by themselves these PD practices. DADs also create favorable conditions for stimulating participants’ creativity in spaces where they can feel safe to invent new and more effective practices. Resistance to change evaporates as participants are unleashed to choose freely which practices they will adopt or try and which problems they will tackle. DADs make it possible to achieve frontline ownership of solutions.

7. Design Sprint 2.0

Want to see how a team can solve big problems and move forward with prototyping and testing solutions in a few days? The Design Sprint 2.0 template from Jake Knapp, author of Sprint, is a complete agenda for a with proven results.

Developing the right agenda can involve difficult but necessary planning. Ensuring all the correct steps are followed can also be stressful or time-consuming depending on your level of experience.

Use this complete 4-day workshop template if you are finding there is no obvious solution to your challenge and want to focus your team around a specific problem that might require a shortcut to launching a minimum viable product or waiting for the organization-wide implementation of a solution.

8. Open space technology

Open space technology- developed by Harrison Owen – creates a space where large groups are invited to take ownership of their problem solving and lead individual sessions. Open space technology is a great format when you have a great deal of expertise and insight in the room and want to allow for different takes and approaches on a particular theme or problem you need to be solved.

Start by bringing your participants together to align around a central theme and focus their efforts. Explain the ground rules to help guide the problem-solving process and then invite members to identify any issue connecting to the central theme that they are interested in and are prepared to take responsibility for.

Once participants have decided on their approach to the core theme, they write their issue on a piece of paper, announce it to the group, pick a session time and place, and post the paper on the wall. As the wall fills up with sessions, the group is then invited to join the sessions that interest them the most and which they can contribute to, then you’re ready to begin!

Everyone joins the problem-solving group they’ve signed up to, record the discussion and if appropriate, findings can then be shared with the rest of the group afterward.

Open Space Technology   #action plan   #idea generation   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #large group   #online   #remote-friendly   Open Space is a methodology for large groups to create their agenda discerning important topics for discussion, suitable for conferences, community gatherings and whole system facilitation

Techniques to identify and analyze problems

Using a problem-solving method to help a team identify and analyze a problem can be a quick and effective addition to any workshop or meeting.

While further actions are always necessary, you can generate momentum and alignment easily, and these activities are a great place to get started.

We’ve put together this list of techniques to help you and your team with problem identification, analysis, and discussion that sets the foundation for developing effective solutions.

Let’s take a look!

• The Creativity Dice
• Fishbone Analysis
• Problem Tree
• SWOT Analysis
• Agreement-Certainty Matrix
• The Journalistic Six
• LEGO Challenge
• What, So What, Now What?
• Journalists

Individual and group perspectives are incredibly important, but what happens if people are set in their minds and need a change of perspective in order to approach a problem more effectively?

Flip It is a method we love because it is both simple to understand and run, and allows groups to understand how their perspectives and biases are formed. 

Participants in Flip It are first invited to consider concerns, issues, or problems from a perspective of fear and write them on a flip chart. Then, the group is asked to consider those same issues from a perspective of hope and flip their understanding.  

No problem and solution is free from existing bias and by changing perspectives with Flip It, you can then develop a problem solving model quickly and effectively.

Flip It!   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   Often, a change in a problem or situation comes simply from a change in our perspectives. Flip It! is a quick game designed to show players that perspectives are made, not born.

10. The Creativity Dice

One of the most useful problem solving skills you can teach your team is of approaching challenges with creativity, flexibility, and openness. Games like The Creativity Dice allow teams to overcome the potential hurdle of too much linear thinking and approach the process with a sense of fun and speed. 

In The Creativity Dice, participants are organized around a topic and roll a dice to determine what they will work on for a period of 3 minutes at a time. They might roll a 3 and work on investigating factual information on the chosen topic. They might roll a 1 and work on identifying the specific goals, standards, or criteria for the session.

Encouraging rapid work and iteration while asking participants to be flexible are great skills to cultivate. Having a stage for idea incubation in this game is also important. Moments of pause can help ensure the ideas that are put forward are the most suitable. 

The Creativity Dice   #creativity   #problem solving   #thiagi   #issue analysis   Too much linear thinking is hazardous to creative problem solving. To be creative, you should approach the problem (or the opportunity) from different points of view. You should leave a thought hanging in mid-air and move to another. This skipping around prevents premature closure and lets your brain incubate one line of thought while you consciously pursue another.

11. Fishbone Analysis

Organizational or team challenges are rarely simple, and it’s important to remember that one problem can be an indication of something that goes deeper and may require further consideration to be solved.

Fishbone Analysis helps groups to dig deeper and understand the origins of a problem. It’s a great example of a root cause analysis method that is simple for everyone on a team to get their head around. 

Participants in this activity are asked to annotate a diagram of a fish, first adding the problem or issue to be worked on at the head of a fish before then brainstorming the root causes of the problem and adding them as bones on the fish. 

Using abstractions such as a diagram of a fish can really help a team break out of their regular thinking and develop a creative approach.

Fishbone Analysis   #problem solving   ##root cause analysis   #decision making   #online facilitation   A process to help identify and understand the origins of problems, issues or observations.

12. Problem Tree 

Encouraging visual thinking can be an essential part of many strategies. By simply reframing and clarifying problems, a group can move towards developing a problem solving model that works for them. 

In Problem Tree, groups are asked to first brainstorm a list of problems – these can be design problems, team problems or larger business problems – and then organize them into a hierarchy. The hierarchy could be from most important to least important or abstract to practical, though the key thing with problem solving games that involve this aspect is that your group has some way of managing and sorting all the issues that are raised.

Once you have a list of problems that need to be solved and have organized them accordingly, you’re then well-positioned for the next problem solving steps.

Problem tree   #define intentions   #create   #design   #issue analysis   A problem tree is a tool to clarify the hierarchy of problems addressed by the team within a design project; it represents high level problems or related sublevel problems.

13. SWOT Analysis

Chances are you’ve heard of the SWOT Analysis before. This problem-solving method focuses on identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is a tried and tested method for both individuals and teams.

Start by creating a desired end state or outcome and bare this in mind – any process solving model is made more effective by knowing what you are moving towards. Create a quadrant made up of the four categories of a SWOT analysis and ask participants to generate ideas based on each of those quadrants.

Once you have those ideas assembled in their quadrants, cluster them together based on their affinity with other ideas. These clusters are then used to facilitate group conversations and move things forward. 

SWOT analysis   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   #meeting facilitation   The SWOT Analysis is a long-standing technique of looking at what we have, with respect to the desired end state, as well as what we could improve on. It gives us an opportunity to gauge approaching opportunities and dangers, and assess the seriousness of the conditions that affect our future. When we understand those conditions, we can influence what comes next.

14. Agreement-Certainty Matrix

Not every problem-solving approach is right for every challenge, and deciding on the right method for the challenge at hand is a key part of being an effective team.

The Agreement Certainty matrix helps teams align on the nature of the challenges facing them. By sorting problems from simple to chaotic, your team can understand what methods are suitable for each problem and what they can do to ensure effective results. 

If you are already using Liberating Structures techniques as part of your problem-solving strategy, the Agreement-Certainty Matrix can be an invaluable addition to your process. We’ve found it particularly if you are having issues with recurring problems in your organization and want to go deeper in understanding the root cause. 

Agreement-Certainty Matrix   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   #problem solving   You can help individuals or groups avoid the frequent mistake of trying to solve a problem with methods that are not adapted to the nature of their challenge. The combination of two questions makes it possible to easily sort challenges into four categories: simple, complicated, complex , and chaotic .  A problem is simple when it can be solved reliably with practices that are easy to duplicate.  It is complicated when experts are required to devise a sophisticated solution that will yield the desired results predictably.  A problem is complex when there are several valid ways to proceed but outcomes are not predictable in detail.  Chaotic is when the context is too turbulent to identify a path forward.  A loose analogy may be used to describe these differences: simple is like following a recipe, complicated like sending a rocket to the moon, complex like raising a child, and chaotic is like the game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”  The Liberating Structures Matching Matrix in Chapter 5 can be used as the first step to clarify the nature of a challenge and avoid the mismatches between problems and solutions that are frequently at the root of chronic, recurring problems.

Organizing and charting a team’s progress can be important in ensuring its success. SQUID (Sequential Question and Insight Diagram) is a great model that allows a team to effectively switch between giving questions and answers and develop the skills they need to stay on track throughout the process. 

Begin with two different colored sticky notes – one for questions and one for answers – and with your central topic (the head of the squid) on the board. Ask the group to first come up with a series of questions connected to their best guess of how to approach the topic. Ask the group to come up with answers to those questions, fix them to the board and connect them with a line. After some discussion, go back to question mode by responding to the generated answers or other points on the board.

It’s rewarding to see a diagram grow throughout the exercise, and a completed SQUID can provide a visual resource for future effort and as an example for other teams.

SQUID   #gamestorming   #project planning   #issue analysis   #problem solving   When exploring an information space, it’s important for a group to know where they are at any given time. By using SQUID, a group charts out the territory as they go and can navigate accordingly. SQUID stands for Sequential Question and Insight Diagram.

16. Speed Boat

To continue with our nautical theme, Speed Boat is a short and sweet activity that can help a team quickly identify what employees, clients or service users might have a problem with and analyze what might be standing in the way of achieving a solution.

Methods that allow for a group to make observations, have insights and obtain those eureka moments quickly are invaluable when trying to solve complex problems.

In Speed Boat, the approach is to first consider what anchors and challenges might be holding an organization (or boat) back. Bonus points if you are able to identify any sharks in the water and develop ideas that can also deal with competitors!   

Speed Boat   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   Speedboat is a short and sweet way to identify what your employees or clients don’t like about your product/service or what’s standing in the way of a desired goal.

17. The Journalistic Six

Some of the most effective ways of solving problems is by encouraging teams to be more inclusive and diverse in their thinking.

Based on the six key questions journalism students are taught to answer in articles and news stories, The Journalistic Six helps create teams to see the whole picture. By using who, what, when, where, why, and how to facilitate the conversation and encourage creative thinking, your team can make sure that the problem identification and problem analysis stages of the are covered exhaustively and thoughtfully. Reporter’s notebook and dictaphone optional.

The Journalistic Six – Who What When Where Why How   #idea generation   #issue analysis   #problem solving   #online   #creative thinking   #remote-friendly   A questioning method for generating, explaining, investigating ideas.

18. LEGO Challenge

Now for an activity that is a little out of the (toy) box. LEGO Serious Play is a facilitation methodology that can be used to improve creative thinking and problem-solving skills. 

The LEGO Challenge includes giving each member of the team an assignment that is hidden from the rest of the group while they create a structure without speaking.

What the LEGO challenge brings to the table is a fun working example of working with stakeholders who might not be on the same page to solve problems. Also, it’s LEGO! Who doesn’t love LEGO! 

LEGO Challenge   #hyperisland   #team   A team-building activity in which groups must work together to build a structure out of LEGO, but each individual has a secret “assignment” which makes the collaborative process more challenging. It emphasizes group communication, leadership dynamics, conflict, cooperation, patience and problem solving strategy.

19. What, So What, Now What?

If not carefully managed, the problem identification and problem analysis stages of the problem-solving process can actually create more problems and misunderstandings.

The What, So What, Now What? problem-solving activity is designed to help collect insights and move forward while also eliminating the possibility of disagreement when it comes to identifying, clarifying, and analyzing organizational or work problems. 

Facilitation is all about bringing groups together so that might work on a shared goal and the best problem-solving strategies ensure that teams are aligned in purpose, if not initially in opinion or insight.

Throughout the three steps of this game, you give everyone on a team to reflect on a problem by asking what happened, why it is important, and what actions should then be taken. 

This can be a great activity for bringing our individual perceptions about a problem or challenge and contextualizing it in a larger group setting. This is one of the most important problem-solving skills you can bring to your organization.

W³ – What, So What, Now What?   #issue analysis   #innovation   #liberating structures   You can help groups reflect on a shared experience in a way that builds understanding and spurs coordinated action while avoiding unproductive conflict. It is possible for every voice to be heard while simultaneously sifting for insights and shaping new direction. Progressing in stages makes this practical—from collecting facts about What Happened to making sense of these facts with So What and finally to what actions logically follow with Now What . The shared progression eliminates most of the misunderstandings that otherwise fuel disagreements about what to do. Voila!

20. Journalists  

Problem analysis can be one of the most important and decisive stages of all problem-solving tools. Sometimes, a team can become bogged down in the details and are unable to move forward.

Journalists is an activity that can avoid a group from getting stuck in the problem identification or problem analysis stages of the process.

In Journalists, the group is invited to draft the front page of a fictional newspaper and figure out what stories deserve to be on the cover and what headlines those stories will have. By reframing how your problems and challenges are approached, you can help a team move productively through the process and be better prepared for the steps to follow.

Journalists   #vision   #big picture   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   This is an exercise to use when the group gets stuck in details and struggles to see the big picture. Also good for defining a vision.

Problem-solving techniques for developing solutions 

The success of any problem-solving process can be measured by the solutions it produces. After you’ve defined the issue, explored existing ideas, and ideated, it’s time to narrow down to the correct solution.

Use these problem-solving techniques when you want to help your team find consensus, compare possible solutions, and move towards taking action on a particular problem.

• Improved Solutions
• Four-Step Sketch
• 15% Solutions
• How-Now-Wow matrix
• Impact Effort Matrix

21. Mindspin  

Brainstorming is part of the bread and butter of the problem-solving process and all problem-solving strategies benefit from getting ideas out and challenging a team to generate solutions quickly. 

With Mindspin, participants are encouraged not only to generate ideas but to do so under time constraints and by slamming down cards and passing them on. By doing multiple rounds, your team can begin with a free generation of possible solutions before moving on to developing those solutions and encouraging further ideation. 

This is one of our favorite problem-solving activities and can be great for keeping the energy up throughout the workshop. Remember the importance of helping people become engaged in the process – energizing problem-solving techniques like Mindspin can help ensure your team stays engaged and happy, even when the problems they’re coming together to solve are complex. 

MindSpin   #teampedia   #idea generation   #problem solving   #action   A fast and loud method to enhance brainstorming within a team. Since this activity has more than round ideas that are repetitive can be ruled out leaving more creative and innovative answers to the challenge.

22. Improved Solutions

After a team has successfully identified a problem and come up with a few solutions, it can be tempting to call the work of the problem-solving process complete. That said, the first solution is not necessarily the best, and by including a further review and reflection activity into your problem-solving model, you can ensure your group reaches the best possible result. 

One of a number of problem-solving games from Thiagi Group, Improved Solutions helps you go the extra mile and develop suggested solutions with close consideration and peer review. By supporting the discussion of several problems at once and by shifting team roles throughout, this problem-solving technique is a dynamic way of finding the best solution. 

Improved Solutions   #creativity   #thiagi   #problem solving   #action   #team   You can improve any solution by objectively reviewing its strengths and weaknesses and making suitable adjustments. In this creativity framegame, you improve the solutions to several problems. To maintain objective detachment, you deal with a different problem during each of six rounds and assume different roles (problem owner, consultant, basher, booster, enhancer, and evaluator) during each round. At the conclusion of the activity, each player ends up with two solutions to her problem.

23. Four Step Sketch

Creative thinking and visual ideation does not need to be confined to the opening stages of your problem-solving strategies. Exercises that include sketching and prototyping on paper can be effective at the solution finding and development stage of the process, and can be great for keeping a team engaged. 

By going from simple notes to a crazy 8s round that involves rapidly sketching 8 variations on their ideas before then producing a final solution sketch, the group is able to iterate quickly and visually. Problem-solving techniques like Four-Step Sketch are great if you have a group of different thinkers and want to change things up from a more textual or discussion-based approach.

Four-Step Sketch   #design sprint   #innovation   #idea generation   #remote-friendly   The four-step sketch is an exercise that helps people to create well-formed concepts through a structured process that includes: Review key information Start design work on paper,  Consider multiple variations , Create a detailed solution . This exercise is preceded by a set of other activities allowing the group to clarify the challenge they want to solve. See how the Four Step Sketch exercise fits into a Design Sprint

24. 15% Solutions

Some problems are simpler than others and with the right problem-solving activities, you can empower people to take immediate actions that can help create organizational change. 

Part of the liberating structures toolkit, 15% solutions is a problem-solving technique that focuses on finding and implementing solutions quickly. A process of iterating and making small changes quickly can help generate momentum and an appetite for solving complex problems.

Problem-solving strategies can live and die on whether people are onboard. Getting some quick wins is a great way of getting people behind the process.   

It can be extremely empowering for a team to realize that problem-solving techniques can be deployed quickly and easily and delineate between things they can positively impact and those things they cannot change. 

15% Solutions   #action   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference.  15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change.  With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.

25. How-Now-Wow Matrix

The problem-solving process is often creative, as complex problems usually require a change of thinking and creative response in order to find the best solutions. While it’s common for the first stages to encourage creative thinking, groups can often gravitate to familiar solutions when it comes to the end of the process. 

When selecting solutions, you don’t want to lose your creative energy! The How-Now-Wow Matrix from Gamestorming is a great problem-solving activity that enables a group to stay creative and think out of the box when it comes to selecting the right solution for a given problem.

Problem-solving techniques that encourage creative thinking and the ideation and selection of new solutions can be the most effective in organisational change. Give the How-Now-Wow Matrix a go, and not just for how pleasant it is to say out loud. 

How-Now-Wow Matrix   #gamestorming   #idea generation   #remote-friendly   When people want to develop new ideas, they most often think out of the box in the brainstorming or divergent phase. However, when it comes to convergence, people often end up picking ideas that are most familiar to them. This is called a ‘creative paradox’ or a ‘creadox’. The How-Now-Wow matrix is an idea selection tool that breaks the creadox by forcing people to weigh each idea on 2 parameters.

26. Impact and Effort Matrix

All problem-solving techniques hope to not only find solutions to a given problem or challenge but to find the best solution. When it comes to finding a solution, groups are invited to put on their decision-making hats and really think about how a proposed idea would work in practice. 

The Impact and Effort Matrix is one of the problem-solving techniques that fall into this camp, empowering participants to first generate ideas and then categorize them into a 2×2 matrix based on impact and effort.

Activities that invite critical thinking while remaining simple are invaluable. Use the Impact and Effort Matrix to move from ideation and towards evaluating potential solutions before then committing to them. 

Impact and Effort Matrix   #gamestorming   #decision making   #action   #remote-friendly   In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.

27. Dotmocracy

If you’ve followed each of the problem-solving steps with your group successfully, you should move towards the end of your process with heaps of possible solutions developed with a specific problem in mind. But how do you help a group go from ideation to putting a solution into action? 

Dotmocracy – or Dot Voting -is a tried and tested method of helping a team in the problem-solving process make decisions and put actions in place with a degree of oversight and consensus. 

One of the problem-solving techniques that should be in every facilitator’s toolbox, Dot Voting is fast and effective and can help identify the most popular and best solutions and help bring a group to a decision effectively. 

Dotmocracy   #action   #decision making   #group prioritization   #hyperisland   #remote-friendly   Dotmocracy is a simple method for group prioritization or decision-making. It is not an activity on its own, but a method to use in processes where prioritization or decision-making is the aim. The method supports a group to quickly see which options are most popular or relevant. The options or ideas are written on post-its and stuck up on a wall for the whole group to see. Each person votes for the options they think are the strongest, and that information is used to inform a decision.

All facilitators know that warm-ups and icebreakers are useful for any workshop or group process. Problem-solving workshops are no different.

Use these problem-solving techniques to warm up a group and prepare them for the rest of the process. Activating your group by tapping into some of the top problem-solving skills can be one of the best ways to see great outcomes from your session.

• Check-in/Check-out
• Doodling Together
• Show and Tell
• Constellations
• Draw a Tree

28. Check-in / Check-out

Solid processes are planned from beginning to end, and the best facilitators know that setting the tone and establishing a safe, open environment can be integral to a successful problem-solving process.

Check-in / Check-out is a great way to begin and/or bookend a problem-solving workshop. Checking in to a session emphasizes that everyone will be seen, heard, and expected to contribute. 

If you are running a series of meetings, setting a consistent pattern of checking in and checking out can really help your team get into a groove. We recommend this opening-closing activity for small to medium-sized groups though it can work with large groups if they’re disciplined!

Check-in / Check-out   #team   #opening   #closing   #hyperisland   #remote-friendly   Either checking-in or checking-out is a simple way for a team to open or close a process, symbolically and in a collaborative way. Checking-in/out invites each member in a group to be present, seen and heard, and to express a reflection or a feeling. Checking-in emphasizes presence, focus and group commitment; checking-out emphasizes reflection and symbolic closure.

29. Doodling Together  

Thinking creatively and not being afraid to make suggestions are important problem-solving skills for any group or team, and warming up by encouraging these behaviors is a great way to start. 

Doodling Together is one of our favorite creative ice breaker games – it’s quick, effective, and fun and can make all following problem-solving steps easier by encouraging a group to collaborate visually. By passing cards and adding additional items as they go, the workshop group gets into a groove of co-creation and idea development that is crucial to finding solutions to problems. 

Doodling Together   #collaboration   #creativity   #teamwork   #fun   #team   #visual methods   #energiser   #icebreaker   #remote-friendly   Create wild, weird and often funny postcards together & establish a group’s creative confidence.

30. Show and Tell

You might remember some version of Show and Tell from being a kid in school and it’s a great problem-solving activity to kick off a session.

Asking participants to prepare a little something before a workshop by bringing an object for show and tell can help them warm up before the session has even begun! Games that include a physical object can also help encourage early engagement before moving onto more big-picture thinking.

By asking your participants to tell stories about why they chose to bring a particular item to the group, you can help teams see things from new perspectives and see both differences and similarities in the way they approach a topic. Great groundwork for approaching a problem-solving process as a team! 

Show and Tell   #gamestorming   #action   #opening   #meeting facilitation   Show and Tell taps into the power of metaphors to reveal players’ underlying assumptions and associations around a topic The aim of the game is to get a deeper understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives on anything—a new project, an organizational restructuring, a shift in the company’s vision or team dynamic.

31. Constellations

Who doesn’t love stars? Constellations is a great warm-up activity for any workshop as it gets people up off their feet, energized, and ready to engage in new ways with established topics. It’s also great for showing existing beliefs, biases, and patterns that can come into play as part of your session.

Using warm-up games that help build trust and connection while also allowing for non-verbal responses can be great for easing people into the problem-solving process and encouraging engagement from everyone in the group. Constellations is great in large spaces that allow for movement and is definitely a practical exercise to allow the group to see patterns that are otherwise invisible. 

Constellations   #trust   #connection   #opening   #coaching   #patterns   #system   Individuals express their response to a statement or idea by standing closer or further from a central object. Used with teams to reveal system, hidden patterns, perspectives.

32. Draw a Tree

Problem-solving games that help raise group awareness through a central, unifying metaphor can be effective ways to warm-up a group in any problem-solving model.

Draw a Tree is a simple warm-up activity you can use in any group and which can provide a quick jolt of energy. Start by asking your participants to draw a tree in just 45 seconds – they can choose whether it will be abstract or realistic. 

Once the timer is up, ask the group how many people included the roots of the tree and use this as a means to discuss how we can ignore important parts of any system simply because they are not visible.

All problem-solving strategies are made more effective by thinking of problems critically and by exposing things that may not normally come to light. Warm-up games like Draw a Tree are great in that they quickly demonstrate some key problem-solving skills in an accessible and effective way.

Draw a Tree   #thiagi   #opening   #perspectives   #remote-friendly   With this game you can raise awarness about being more mindful, and aware of the environment we live in.

Each step of the problem-solving workshop benefits from an intelligent deployment of activities, games, and techniques. Bringing your session to an effective close helps ensure that solutions are followed through on and that you also celebrate what has been achieved.

Here are some problem-solving activities you can use to effectively close a workshop or meeting and ensure the great work you’ve done can continue afterward.

• One Breath Feedback
• Who What When Matrix
• Response Cards

How do I conclude a problem-solving process?

All good things must come to an end. With the bulk of the work done, it can be tempting to conclude your workshop swiftly and without a moment to debrief and align. This can be problematic in that it doesn’t allow your team to fully process the results or reflect on the process.

At the end of an effective session, your team will have gone through a process that, while productive, can be exhausting. It’s important to give your group a moment to take a breath, ensure that they are clear on future actions, and provide short feedback before leaving the space. 

The primary purpose of any problem-solving method is to generate solutions and then implement them. Be sure to take the opportunity to ensure everyone is aligned and ready to effectively implement the solutions you produced in the workshop.

Remember that every process can be improved and by giving a short moment to collect feedback in the session, you can further refine your problem-solving methods and see further success in the future too.

33. One Breath Feedback

Maintaining attention and focus during the closing stages of a problem-solving workshop can be tricky and so being concise when giving feedback can be important. It’s easy to incur “death by feedback” should some team members go on for too long sharing their perspectives in a quick feedback round. 

One Breath Feedback is a great closing activity for workshops. You give everyone an opportunity to provide feedback on what they’ve done but only in the space of a single breath. This keeps feedback short and to the point and means that everyone is encouraged to provide the most important piece of feedback to them. 

One breath feedback   #closing   #feedback   #action   This is a feedback round in just one breath that excels in maintaining attention: each participants is able to speak during just one breath … for most people that’s around 20 to 25 seconds … unless of course you’ve been a deep sea diver in which case you’ll be able to do it for longer.

34. Who What When Matrix 

Matrices feature as part of many effective problem-solving strategies and with good reason. They are easily recognizable, simple to use, and generate results.

The Who What When Matrix is a great tool to use when closing your problem-solving session by attributing a who, what and when to the actions and solutions you have decided upon. The resulting matrix is a simple, easy-to-follow way of ensuring your team can move forward. 

Great solutions can’t be enacted without action and ownership. Your problem-solving process should include a stage for allocating tasks to individuals or teams and creating a realistic timeframe for those solutions to be implemented or checked out. Use this method to keep the solution implementation process clear and simple for all involved. 

Who/What/When Matrix   #gamestorming   #action   #project planning   With Who/What/When matrix, you can connect people with clear actions they have defined and have committed to.

35. Response cards

Group discussion can comprise the bulk of most problem-solving activities and by the end of the process, you might find that your team is talked out! 

Providing a means for your team to give feedback with short written notes can ensure everyone is head and can contribute without the need to stand up and talk. Depending on the needs of the group, giving an alternative can help ensure everyone can contribute to your problem-solving model in the way that makes the most sense for them.

Response Cards is a great way to close a workshop if you are looking for a gentle warm-down and want to get some swift discussion around some of the feedback that is raised. 

Response Cards   #debriefing   #closing   #structured sharing   #questions and answers   #thiagi   #action   It can be hard to involve everyone during a closing of a session. Some might stay in the background or get unheard because of louder participants. However, with the use of Response Cards, everyone will be involved in providing feedback or clarify questions at the end of a session.

Save time and effort discovering the right solutions

A structured problem solving process is a surefire way of solving tough problems, discovering creative solutions and driving organizational change. But how can you design for successful outcomes?

With SessionLab, it’s easy to design engaging workshops that deliver results. Drag, drop and reorder blocks  to build your agenda. When you make changes or update your agenda, your session  timing   adjusts automatically , saving you time on manual adjustments.

Collaborating with stakeholders or clients? Share your agenda with a single click and collaborate in real-time. No more sending documents back and forth over email.

Explore  how to use SessionLab  to design effective problem solving workshops or  watch this five minute video  to see the planner in action!

Over to you

The problem-solving process can often be as complicated and multifaceted as the problems they are set-up to solve. With the right problem-solving techniques and a mix of creative exercises designed to guide discussion and generate purposeful ideas, we hope we’ve given you the tools to find the best solutions as simply and easily as possible.

Is there a problem-solving technique that you are missing here? Do you have a favorite activity or method you use when facilitating? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you! 

thank you very much for these excellent techniques

Certainly wonderful article, very detailed. Shared!

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