Situation
Sharpen the problem statement before investing in solutions.
Use this when teams feel urgency but problem boundaries and outcomes are fuzzy. It works well at kickoff or before strategic planning.
Use this page to choose the method before you start planning the session.
Prioritise the facilitation structure that keeps trade-offs explicit and closes with named ownership.
Use these signals to keep the room aimed at the outcome before it drifts into discussion.
Choose the route that matches the time you have, the room you can assemble, and the level of convergence you need.
60-90 min
Best when you need a credible recommendation in one working session without expanding into a half-day format.
Assumption heatmap
Open recipe2-4 hrs
Use when you have enough room to build shared understanding before committing to the shortlist.
North-star framing sheet
Open recipeExec alignment
Use when the room needs stronger sponsor clarity, sharper trade-offs, or explicit ownership before moving on.
Problem statement
Open recipeThese questions are here to explain the recommendation logic, not just diagnose the room.
Why it matters: If the decision is vague, the room will drift into discussion instead of converging on a usable output.
What changes: If the answer is specific, Waypoint can recommend tighter decision formats. If it stays broad, Waypoint should push you toward framing or mapping first.
Why it matters: Availability determines whether you can run a deeper co-creation format or need a tighter, more executive-friendly move.
What changes: If availability is genuinely tight, Waypoint should favor lighter formats. If the right room can attend, it should open up deeper working sessions.
Why it matters: The biggest source of friction tells you where facilitation structure needs to do more work.
What changes: If the answer is yes, prefer formats that make trade-offs explicit. If not, Waypoint can recommend a lighter path with less convergence overhead.
Why it matters: Some risks can be parked; others require a method that produces enough evidence or ownership before the group leaves.
What changes: If it cannot stay unresolved, Waypoint should bias toward techniques that leave owners, assumptions, or evidence checks visible before the room closes.
Start with the risks most likely to show up in the room, then use the fixes to keep the session on track.
Don’t write How Might We prompts before confirming the core problem statement.
Fix: Write and approve one core problem statement before creating prompts.
Don’t define success as output volume instead of outcomes.
Fix: Translate success into measurable outcomes with a timeframe.
Don’t let scope creep hide unresolved assumptions.
Fix: List top assumptions with owners and validation dates before close.
Use these when the recommended route is blocked by room shape, confidence, or stakeholder availability.
#1
A structured workshop using the Value Proposition Canvas to connect target customer jobs, pains, and gains with product/service pain relievers and gain creators.
Value proposition canvas
Avoid this when the target segment is undefined.
Open recipe