1. The present state - desired state technique
One strategy for formulating a clear problem statement is the so-called
present state-desired state technique.
One begins by specifying (as best as one can) the present or problem state (PS),
and then the desired or solution state (DS). One then modifies both the PS and
the DS until there is a satisfactory correlation between the two.
The Dunker Diagram is often used as a graphical approach to the PS/DS
technique

2. The present state - desired state technique
The Dunker Diagram presents three classes of solutions:
General Solutions come in two forms: (1) those that require some action to be
taken to achieve the desired state and (2) those that transform the desired state
until it matches the present state (which sometimes requires slight modification
of the original present state).
Functional Solutions are derived from the general solutions without regard to
feasibility.
Specific Solutions are feasible solutions derived from the functional solution
list.

3. The present state - desired state technique

4. The present state - desired state technique
The Dunker Diagram can also be used without the present state - desired state
formulation
Problem
Positive
General Solution
Negative
General Solution
Functional Solutions
Functional Solutions
Specific Solutions
Specific Solutions

5. The present state - desired state technique
Cereal not getting to market fast enough to maintain freshness
Get cereal to
market faster
Make it OK for cereal
NOT to get to market faster
Functional Solutions
Functional Solutions
Specific Solutions
Specific Solutions