[jll29]

> how would you know that the problem is solved [?].

That's the key: the more clear you are about assessing or measuring success, the easier finding the actual solution will become. Often, trying to define a quantitative metric how close a partial solution to the ultimate (complete) solution can help you track progress, and then you're no longer "flying blind" on your innovation journey.

[jll29]

We should also ask ourselves: how can the problem be avoided in the first place.

Some of the most elegant solutions in my career I have been able to find by inquiring whether the problem should or shouldn't, as it may be a side-effect of a broken process.