2.1.2 - Steps in Problem Scoping
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Understanding the Problem
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let's begin our discussion on Problem Scoping by discussing the first step: understanding the problem. Why do you think this step is crucial?
I think if we don't understand the problem, we might end up solving the wrong issue.
Exactly! Clear understanding sets the stage for everything else. Can anyone give me some examples of problems we might want to solve with AI?
Traffic congestion could be one! Or maybe reducing customer complaints.
Well done! Traffic congestion and customer complaints are both great examples. Remember, identifying specific issues directly informs the goals we set for our AI.
Defining the Goal
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Once we understand the problem, the next step is defining our goal. What are some functions you think an AI system could perform?
It could classify data into categories or maybe predict future trends?
Great points! Defining whether our goal is classification, prediction, or recommendation is vital for the project's direction. Let's remember the acronym CRP: Classify, Recommend, Predict.
C-R-P helps us remember those key functions easily!
Exactly! So keep CRP in mind as we move forward into identifying stakeholders.
Identifying Stakeholders
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now let’s discuss identifying stakeholders. Who do you think should be considered?
Definitely customers and employees. They are the direct users of the solution.
I think we should also consider society at large since it can impact many people.
Absolutely! The stakeholders are crucial to the project’s success. They help validate the needs and provide feedback. Always remember: LISTEN to your stakeholders!
Got it! L-I-S-T-E-N! It reminds us to be attentive.
Creating a Problem Statement
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Creating a clear problem statement can make a world of difference. What should this statement include?
It should summarize the issue and the intended AI solution, right?
Exactly! A solid problem statement will serve as a reference throughout the project. Let’s formulate one as a class. How about: 'Our AI system will reduce traffic congestion by predicting peak traffic hours based on past data'?
That sounds clear and direct!
Summarily, remember a concise problem statement guides your project like a compass. Always keep it visible!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In the Problem Scoping stage, teams identify the specific issue to address, define their goals for the AI system, identify relevant stakeholders, and create a clear problem statement. Tools such as SWOT analysis and the 4Ws Canvas are utilized to aid this process.
Detailed
Detailed Summary of Steps in Problem Scoping
Problem Scoping is a crucial first step in the AI Project Cycle, which plays an essential role in guiding the entire development process. Understanding the problem you wish to address forms the foundation for all subsequent stages in the AI project.
Key Steps in Problem Scoping:
- Understand the Problem: Clearly articulate the issue at hand—examples include traffic congestion, customer complaints, or product recommendations.
- Define the Goal: What specific functions do you want the AI system to perform? This could involve classifying, predicting, or recommending outcomes.
- Identify Stakeholders: Who will benefit from the solution? This typically includes customers, employees, and society at large. Understanding your audience can help tailor the AI solution effectively.
- Create a Problem Statement: Formulate a concise statement that captures the core issue and outlines the intended AI solution.
Tools Used:
- SWOT Analysis: Evaluates Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats regarding the problem and potential solutions.
- 4Ws Canvas: A structured approach asking What, Why, Where, and Who to comprehensively explore the problem space.
By thoroughly engaging in Problem Scoping, teams can avoid common pitfalls in AI projects, such as misaligned goals or a lack of stakeholder consideration, thus setting a solid foundation for success.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Understanding the Problem
Chapter 1 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
• Understand the Problem: What exactly are you trying to solve? Example: Traffic congestion, customer complaints, product recommendations.
Detailed Explanation
The first step in problem scoping is to understand the specific problem you want to tackle. This means being clear about what challenges or issues exist that need a solution. For example, if you aim to address traffic congestion, you need to identify how and why traffic jams occur. By doing so, you can focus your efforts on understanding the full breadth of the problem.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine someone trying to learn how to cook but just focusing on recipes without understanding what ingredients they like or dislike. Similarly, if you’re working on an AI project, you need to first grasp the entire problem landscape before diving into solutions.
Defining the Goal
Chapter 2 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
• Define the Goal: What do you want the AI system to do? Classify, predict, recommend?
Detailed Explanation
Once you know what problem you are addressing, the next step is to define the specific goal of your AI system. This could involve classifying data into categories, making predictions based on existing data, or offering recommendations. For instance, if you're working on a solution for customer complaints, the goal might be to classify complaints into different categories to streamline responses.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a coach preparing a team for a tournament. The coach needs to define the goal—whether it’s winning the tournament or improving individual player skills—before strategizing the practice sessions. Similarly, clear goals guide AI projects.
Identifying Stakeholders
Chapter 3 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
• Identify Stakeholders: Who will benefit from the solution? (e.g., customers, employees, society)
Detailed Explanation
In this step, you need to identify the stakeholders involved in the project. Stakeholders are those who will be affected by the outcome of the AI solution. It can include customers who will use the system, employees who might interact with it, and even broader society that could benefit from the improvements made.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a new community park being developed. Stakeholders would include local residents who will use the park, city officials who manage community resources, and potentially even businesses that might benefit from increased foot traffic. In AI projects, knowing who will benefit helps in tailoring the solution to meet their needs.
Creating a Problem Statement
Chapter 4 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
• Create a Problem Statement: A brief, clear sentence summarizing the issue and the intended AI solution.
Detailed Explanation
Creating a clear, concise problem statement is crucial. This statement should succinctly summarize the problem you are addressing and articulate the intended AI solution. It serves as North Star for the project, ensuring everyone involved understands the goal. Additionally, a well-defined problem statement helps in evaluating solutions and outcomes later in the project.
Examples & Analogies
It’s like writing a thesis statement for a research paper. A clear thesis tells the reader what to expect and provides a focused direction for the subsequent research. Similarly, a well-crafted problem statement acts as a guide throughout the AI project.
Tools Used
Chapter 5 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Tools Used: • SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) • 4Ws Canvas (What, Why, Where, Who)
Detailed Explanation
To support the problem scoping process, various tools can be used. SWOT Analysis helps identify the strengths and weaknesses related to the project as well as potential opportunities and threats in the market or environment. The 4Ws Canvas is another useful tool that prompts you to think about the 'What', 'Why', 'Where', and 'Who' regarding the problem and solution.
Examples & Analogies
Using these tools is akin to preparing for a trip. Before you travel, you would assess your travel options, think about your destination, understand what to pack (strengths/weaknesses), and recognize any challenges you may face (threats). In AI, these tools help in getting a comprehensive view of your project landscape.
Key Concepts
-
Problem Scoping: The essential first step in the AI Project Cycle that involves understanding and defining the problem at hand.
-
Stakeholders: Groups or individuals who will benefit from or be impacted by the intended solution.
-
SWOT Analysis: A tool for analyzing the internal and external environments of the project, aiding in effective decision-making.
-
Problem Statement: A concise summary that articulates the core issue and outlines the necessary AI solution.
Examples & Applications
Traffic congestion identified as a problem could lead to the goal of using AI to predict peak traffic and optimize traffic signals.
In a retail context, a company may identify customer complaints as a problem, leading to an AI solution that recommends product adjustments based on feedback.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
For every AI we design, a problem we must define; understanding it is key, to set our project free.
Stories
Imagine a team starting an AI project. They gather around and talk about what frustrates their customers. They realize traffic is a nightmare and decide to solve this by using AI to optimize traffic patterns. Their clarity brings them success!
Memory Tools
Remember 'S-G-S-P' for Problem Scoping: S for State the problem, G for Goals, S for Stakeholders, P for Problem statement.
Acronyms
Use CRAZY for remembering steps
for Classify
for Recommend
for Analyze
for Zoom into the specifics
for Yield a solution!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Problem Scoping
The process of understanding and defining the boundaries of the problem to be solved.
- Stakeholders
Individuals or groups who will benefit from or be affected by the solution.
- SWOT Analysis
A framework for evaluating the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a project.
- Problem Statement
A brief, clear sentence summarizing the issue and the intended AI solution.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.