5S is a Japanese System for managing the work environment. Material is sorted, cleaned, placed in a manner that makes the retrieval easy. 5S starts with sorting all the things present in the workplace. Sorting reveals a lot of things. It helps identify unrequired material, organize material as per their frequency of use. Just the mere act of sorting solves a lot of problems.
However, when we attempt to solve problems without sorting them into distinct categories. This process helps us to understand the nature of the problem and apply solutions that fit the segment. Bill Gibson has recommended the following six categories:
Tasks: These are problems that are delegated to you. In this case, you need to know the purpose, put forth your constraints, and state the resource requirements. For example, approaching an interior designer for design. It is a task delegated to the architect by the client.
Deviation from a trend: A deviation from an expected/established norm is an example of this type. We need more data for solving such types of problems. For example, a man started losing weight without any change in diet. Later, a doctor did some blood tests and diagnosed that he had become diabetic.
Puzzle: Not all problems need more data to resolve. The puzzle is one such category. A lot of information is available, but there are missing pieces. In most cases, acquiring more data is not possible. We have to connect the dots and make inferences. For example, most of the history is written in this format.
Dilemma: In some instances, we are aware of the solutions. However, each of these solutions has certain distinct advantages and disadvantages. We need to make a choice between various alternatives. For these problems, we need to make a judgment call based on our set of values.
Hurdles: Problems arise because of internal (personal) or external constraints. Solving these problems necessitate overcoming resistance. For example, somebody who has never run in life has to run a marathon. This is an example of internal constraint. On the other hand, designing a driverless car is an example of an external constraint.
Opportunities: Many of the problems, when solved, create opportunities. Many of the start-ups develop solutions for exploiting them commercially.
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