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Problem identification to solution – Camera Obscura

Introduction to the process of problem identification to solution, illustrated with the seasonality issue
© Edinburgh Napier University

Before you go out and collect data it is important that you know why you need certain data. Therefore, it is important that you know your business and are able to articulate specific problems you are wanting to find solutions for through data.

The process chart below shows the key steps in the process of problem identification referencing the Camera Obscura case study.

Stages: 1. Identify the problem, eg a quiet week 2. Set the question, eg why is it quiet? 3. Do you have the data? eg time of visit. 4. Collect missing data, eg look at external sources, 5. Come up with an innovative solution, eg toddler fest, 6. Implement a new product or improvement, eg toddler fest. 7. Monitor success, eg evaluate feedback and adapt solutionFrom problem to solution: Camera Obscura (Click to expand)

Key steps: Camera Obscura

  1. Identify the problem Quiet week (data points: admissions by day/month)

  2. Set the question Why? post-holiday, Winter, lack of spending power

  3. Do you have the data? Gaps? Place of origin, time of visit, demographics

  4. Collect missing data Look at enter sources eg arrivals, exchange rate

  5. Come up with an innovative solution – team ideas Toddler fest

  6. Implement new product or service improvement Toddler festival

  7. Monitor its success evaluate feedback and adapt accordingly

© Edinburgh Napier University
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