Final answer:
Ill-defined problems are challenging because they lack clear goal states, making it difficult to identify what must be resolved. A structured approach, including identifying unknowns and knowns along with defining the problem, is essential in dealing with these types of problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ill-defined problems are named as such because it is difficult to specify clear goal states for the problems. To address such issues, it is vital to go through a process of problem identification and resolution. This involves the following steps:
- Identify the unknowns: Determine what exactly needs to be figured out within the problem, which is particularly challenging with complex problems. A list of unknown elements can provide clarity on what needs to be solved.
- Identify the knowns: Make a list of what is already understood or can be inferred from the problem statement. Knowing what is given helps to narrow down potential solutions.
- Problem definition: Establish a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved, including the scope of the design project and the resources available to solve the problem. This involves criteria and constraints that impact the design process.
Techniques such as brainstorming, seeking expert opinions, gathering customer information, and trying to pinpoint the real problem can all contribute to a clearer definition of ill-defined problems. It's important to recognize that such problems demand a structured approach to define and understand the problem, which can lead to innovating suitable solutions.