Module 3: Define – Defining the Problem and Potential Solutions

How to define problems effectively and develop potential solutions in the design of sustainable tourism experiences.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Knowledge:
• Understand the importance of clearly defining problems in the context of sustainable tourism.
• Learn the techniques for synthesising insights from research into actionable problem statements.
• Recognise the role of defining problems in aligning sustainability and community goals in tourism.




• Skills:
• Develop well-defined, human-centred problem statements based on insights gathered in the Empathise stage.
• Apply techniques for framing problems and generating potential solutions.
• Align problem definitions with both tourist needs and sustainability objectives.




• Competences:
• Competently frame challenges faced in tourism and develop solutions that balance economic, environmental, and social factors.
• Create problem statements that guide creative ideation processes.
• Integrate stakeholder and community concerns into problem-solving processes for tourism design.

Module Overview:

The Define stage in design thinking is critical for framing the challenges and opportunities identified in the Empathise stage. This module explores how to synthesise insights into clear, actionable problem statements and develop potential solutions. For tourism SMEs, this stage is essential for balancing the needs of tourists, communities, and the environment in sustainable tourism design.

In this module, learners will explore the importance of defining problems that are grounded in tourist insights while also addressing sustainability goals. They will learn techniques for framing these challenges in ways that inspire creative solutions and guide the next stages of the design process.