Problem Solving

KISS Review Framework

An action-orientated review model to convert past experience into practice.

5 Whys Technique

Get to the root cause of an issue by asking "why" repeatedly.

First Principles

Start from the basics and find a new, more logical way of doing things.

FMEA Methodology

Identify failure modes and prioritize risks.

DEEP Technique

Protect your emotional boundaries.

Research Funnel Model

Understand users with clarity, even when resources are tight.

5 Sos Technique for Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking

Continuously asking “So what might happen next?” to project how one event could trigger another.

5W1H

Gather comprehensive information and provide clarity in various situations.

Brainstorming

A creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas.

Zoom-In and Zoom-Out Model

Allows you to handle challenges with clarity, whether you need to see the big picture or focus on the details.

Freud’s Iceberg Theory

Developed from human psychology, it help us understand how the conscious and unconscious mind interacts.

Fishbone Diagram

A simple yet powerful tool that helps you analyze and solve problems in a structured way.

SCAMPER Method

Generate new ideas by systematically remixing existing products, processes, and assumptions.

Outcome Discovery Canvas

Define measurable outcomes and success metrics before you commit to building features.

DIKW Model

Move beyond information overload and make truly wise decisions.

Magic Loop Framework

Capture feedback, act on it, make changes stick, and report back with clarity.

Four-Step Innovation Model

Turn raw ideas into market-ready products through a disciplined, four-stage innovation pipeline.

4Ps Problem-Solving Framework

Discover the real problem before solving it.

POEMS Framework

Gives teams a clear way to observe, classify, and interpret user behavior.

FMEA Methodology: Identify Failure Modes and Prioritize Risks

Identify failure modes and prioritize risks.

Read the full framework

Applications

Process Improvement Risk Analysis Root Cause Analysis

Framework Card

FMEA Methodology

Goal: Reduce risk by identifying failure modes before they cause real-world impact.
Best For: Risk prioritization; Failure prevention planning

Check-In

Introduction

When systems break down, the real challenge isn’t just fixing the issue; most importantly, we need to prevent it from happening again.

Many organizations rely on guesswork, but effective problem-solving requires a structured approach. That’s where the FMEA methodology comes in.

Framework Logic

Why FMEA Matters in Problem Solving

Developed as a proactive troubleshooting tool, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) helps teams identify where processes might fail, analyze the consequences, and prioritize corrective actions.

By proactively assessing risks, FMEA allows organizations to understand potential failure points, evaluate their consequences, and prioritize necessary corrective actions to mitigate these risks and enhance overall reliability.

Deep Read

Key Components of FMEA

Failure Modes: These are the specific ways in which a process or product could fail. Each failure mode represents a potential issue that could negatively impact the product or process.
Effects of Failure: This refers to the consequences of each failure mode on the end-user, process, or system. Effects are typically evaluated based on their impact on performance, safety, or compliance with standards.
Causes of Failure: Identifying the root causes of each failure mode is essential for understanding why the failure might occur. This enables teams to pinpoint specific areas for improvement and implement measures to eliminate or reduce these causes.
Severity, Occurrence, and Detection Ratings: Each failure mode is assessed based on three key factors:
- Severity (S): The seriousness of the consequences resulting from the failure.
- Occurrence (O): The likelihood that the failure will occur.
- Detection (D): The probability that the failure will be detected before it results in adverse effects.

These ratings are used to calculate a Risk Priority Number (RPN), which helps prioritize which failure modes require the most attention.

The formula for calculating RPN is:

RPN = Severity (S) × Occurrence (O) × Detection (D)

A higher RPN indicates a greater risk, suggesting that corrective actions should be focused on reducing either the severity, occurrence, or improving detection to mitigate the risk effectively. This allows resources to be directed efficiently, ensuring the most critical issues are addressed first.

Read the full framework