The Problem

We were divided into groups and asked to pick one problem we want to work with. My group is called GM2Z, and the members are Mardhiah, Meidy, Zhang Min, and me.

We choose the problem 'Living Space is Getting Smaller and Smaller'.

The first step we have to do is to examine and break down the problem. We did this by doing a mind map on 5W1H of the problem.

WHAT is the problem?

Living space of people is getting smaller. People don't have enough space to live in.

WHY is living space getting smaller?:

Most probably lack of land and increase in population. Large portions of land are used for building malls, parks, recreation areas, factories, etc so there is lack of space for people to live in, while the number of people is increasing rapidly.

WHO is affected by the problem?:

The people living in big cities with constrained space, as they suffer from the difficulties of living in small space.

WHEN is this happening?:

Now, in the modern times, as population is increasing while land is running out.

WHERE is this happening?:

Big, modern, and densely populated cities. Our group decided to work with the country we are staying at now, which is Singapore.

HOW is this a problem?

People feel burdened by living in small spaces. Their living spaces may be unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable.

The 5W1H exercise helps to make the problem simpler and easier to work with. I have gained a better understanding on the problem after breaking it down to parts.