GROUP PROJECT: DEFINE A PROBLEM

scenario: The band Nirvana (client) comes to you (agency) seeking help. Their music sales have dropped so they want a new advertising
poster to drive up sales. 

objective: To find out what the real problem is and suggest possible solutions.

specifications: Each group must identify and present at least five possible reasons why sales are down and five possible solutions to fix
the real problem.

process:

1. Form small groups (three students per group)
2. Analyze the presented problem—the obvious problem is that sales are down, the real problem is why sales are down. This is what
   you're after.
3. Analyze the real problem and list possible reasons why sales are down. Preposterous reasons are all right at this point. The idea is to think about the possible underlying issues driving the presented problem. Once the real problem has been identified, appropriate solutions can be developed (for example: the lead singer has died and music isn't as good...)
4. Come up with solutions to the list of possible problems (for example: problem—lead singer is dead; solutions—a. current lead singer is
   terrible (define terrible) and a new one is needed, b. band needs to dissolve, c. repurpose old music with original singer, d. rebrand
   as new band...)
5. Hints: There are no right or wrong answers! Be silly. Play is a useful tool in the creative process.
6. The first goal (step) in the design process is to evaluate and define the problem. As you start to come up with possible solutions,  start to think about how you can present your findings to the class as groups. 
7. Verbal presentation skills are a "must have" in the design industry, if not all industries. Designers often find themselves pitching a project or educating their client or boss. In an effort to start building presentation skills, each group will come up with a presentation method that works for them and then present to the class. The only requirement is that there must be a verbal component. All media is available for presentations.
8. All group members must talk as part of the presentation. You may prepare with note cards if needed.
9. ​Your presentation should include: introductions of your group members, presenting what you think the real problem is to your client , 5 possible reasons their sales are down, 5 possible solutions and why you think those solutions would be more beneficial to the client rather than a new advertising poster.