Problem-Solving Personas
Problems are a part of our daily lives. From minor inconveniences to real-world challenges, we encounter various issues that require solutions. One effective approach to solving these problems is by developing personas. These personas are essentially fictional representations of typical individuals who are facing these issues in real-time. To illustrate the power of personas, I came up with five common, everyday problems that a typical individual may face.
Problem #1: Opened bag of snacks goes stale.
Nick eagerly reaches for a snack of Lay’s classic potato chips, but after taking a bite, he grimaces—the chips have gone stale. To remedy this issue, he can invest in a bag sealer product, typically available on Amazon. This nifty device effectively seals any open bag of snacks, preserving their freshness. Alternatively, Nick can opt for bag clips to secure the bag and prevent air from seeping in, or he can simply transfer the chips to an airtight container for prolonged crispness.
Problem #2: Misplacing car keys or other personal items.
Amelia is in a rush to get to work and finds herself in a frantic search for her car keys. She checks under her bedsheets, between the couch cushions, and even inside her dog’s water bowl. To resolve Amelia’s predicament, she can consider investing in a Bluetooth tracking device such as Tile or Airtag, which she can attach to her car keys or any personal item. These innovative devices can sync with her mobile phone and emit an audible alert when activated. Additionally, Amelia should establish a designated spot in her home for her car keys, such as a shelf with a key hook or a small table by the door with a tray.
Problem #3: Forgetting passwords.
Holly encounters a common dilemma as she tries to log into her computer for work but can’t remember her password. After multiple unsuccessful login attempts, her computer locks her out. To address Holly’s issue, she can utilize a password manager like LastPass to securely store and manage her passwords digitally. With LastPass, she only needs to remember a single master password to access all of her stored passwords. Holly can also create passwords using mnemonic devices or personal references and document password hints on paper or her mobile device to help jog her memory.
Problem #4: Deciding what to wear in the morning.
Rachel faces a time crunch as she struggles to choose an outfit for a dinner date. She rummages through her closet and dresser, experimenting with several outfits that don’t quite align with her current style. To tackle Rachel’s problem, she should plan her outfits the night before. This simple step will help her save time and avoid unnecessary stress. Additionally, she should consider decluttering her wardrobe by removing unwanted clothes and reorganizing it in a way that simplifies the selection process.
Problem #5: Avoiding common colds and allergies.
Darrell is wrestling with his third bout of the common cold this season, unable to catch a break, and is once again on his way to the doctor for another round of antibiotics. To fix Darrell’s recurring issue, he can adopt preventive measures like regular handwashing to minimize the spread of germs and maintain a clean, dust-free living environment to reduce his exposure to allergens. For milder symptoms, Darrell can consider over-the-counter cold or allergy medications to scale down the need for frequent doctor visits.
By creating personas, we can gain a deeper understanding of the problems at hand. They allow us to step into the shoes of those experiencing these challenges and see things from their perspective. This, in turn, helps us to empathize with their struggles and ultimately come up with more effective solutions.
