Final answer:
A problem is a value judgment about what is undesirable or in need of modification. Therefore, a problem statement is defined as a specific claim of what is not desired or of what should be changed.
Step-by-step explanation:
A problem statement is a concise description of an issue to be addressed or a condition to be improved upon. It identifies the gap between the current (problem) state and the desired (goal) state of a process or product. By focusing on the facts and emphasizing the real issues at hand, a problem statement lays the foundation for the entire design process. It is important during the problem definition step to clearly understand and articulate the problem, as it determines the direction of the subsequent actions and efforts of the design team.
When dealing with complex issues, especially global challenges, it may be more appropriate to use the term predicament rather than problem. Predicament suggests a more serious and possibly intractable situation, which is a more accurate description of interconnected sets of challenges that do not have a simple fix.
Effectively defining the problem or predicament is crucial in ensuring that the efforts to find a solution are both relevant and targeted, avoiding the misdirection of resources. A well-crafted problem statement also takes into account various constraints and criteria, which are essential elements in guiding the design process towards a viable solution.