How to use the Is/Is Not methodology to define the problem statement

The Is/Is Not methodology is a problem-solving technique used to define the problem statement. It involves asking a series of questions to determine what the problem is and what is not. It is used to define and clarify the scope of a problem.

The Is questions help to define the problem by identifying its characteristics, symptoms, and effects. These questions focus on what the problem is. The Is Not questions help to eliminate potential causes by identifying what is not a problem. These questions focus on ruling out possible causes that may seem related to the problem but are unrelated. By systematically asking Is and Is Not questions, the problem statement can be defined, leading to effective problem resolution.

Note

It is important to ask open-ended questions and gather as much information as possible during the Is/Is Not analysis. It is also important to regularly review and update the Is/Is Not questions as the problem evolves to ensure that they remain accurate and relevant.

You can use the following template to define the Is and Is Not questions:

Question	Is	Is Not
What
Where
When
Who
How
How many
How often

After using the Is/Is Not methodology, you can create a well-defined problem statement.

Example

Consider a scenario where you work for an automotive manufacturing company, and you have received customer complaints about the windshield wipers not functioning properly on a specific model of cars. To address this issue, you can apply the Is/Is Not methodology to define the exact problem of the windshield wiper.

1. Start by clearly defining the problem statement: The problem is that the windshield wipers on a specific model of cars are not functioning properly.

2. Ask "What is the problem?" to identify the characteristics and attributes of the problem. For example, you might ask:

Are all cars of the specific model affected or only a subset?

Are the windshield wipers not moving at all or are they moving erratically?

Are there any specific weather conditions or driving situations in which the problem occurs?

Are the windshield wipers on a specific car model leaving streaks and not effectively clearing the windshield?

Are the windshield wipers worn-out?

Are the windshield wipers not moving due to insufficient pressure applied by the wiper arms?

Are the windshield wipers not moving due to electrical issues in the wiper motor?

Are the windshield wipers not moving due to a malfunctioning wiper control switch?

Are the windshield wipers not moving due to a misalignment or improper installation of the wiper blades?

3. Ask "What is not the problem?" to eliminate any irrelevant or unrelated factors. For example, you might ask:

Are the windshield wiper problems caused by electrical issues in the car's wiring system?

Are the problems related to the windshield wiper blades themselves, such as wear and tear or improper installation?

Are the problems caused by external factors such as debris or ice obstructing the movement of the wipers?

Are the windshield wiper problems caused by a faulty windshield washer fluid pump?

Are the windshield wiper problems caused by a damaged windshield?

Are the windshield wiper problems due to improper use or maintenance of the wiper blades?

Are the windshield wiper problems caused by a manufacturing defect in the wiper blades?

Are the windshield wiper problems caused by a design flaw in the wiper system?

4. Continue asking "What is the problem?" and "What is not the problem?" to further refine the understanding of the problem. This iterative process helps you narrow down the possible causes and focus on the root issue.

5. Document the findings and use them as a basis for problem-solving and decision-making. This documentation can include a clear description of the problem, the identified characteristics, and the factors that have been ruled out as not being the problem.

6. By using the Is/Is Not methodology, you can gain a deeper understanding of the windshield wiper problems. It helps you identify the specific areas to investigate, eliminates irrelevant factors, and facilitates effective communication and collaboration with the quality team and other stakeholders. This analysis can then be used to implement appropriate corrective actions, such as component replacements, design modifications, or manufacturing process improvements, to address the windshield wiper problems and enhance the overall quality of the cars.