ProblemSolver has been designed to support "creative problem solving" in groups as well as it can be applied by individuals. A small group of up to three people can sit around one computer. A group of ideal size (7-8 people) should use more than one computer and a device that projects the PC screen on a wall (beamer). Best result are reached if every user is working on its own computer and the computer are connected to each other in a net. In this case the idea generation and the evaluation phases are very strong and efficient.

If ProblemSolver is applied in a group, the participants should represent different fields of knowledge from the respective departments. A time requirement of one to two hours is assigned for a single session. The duration depends on the complexity of the problem and on the methods selected to work with. In a session, a concentrated problem solving cycle and in a workshop, several cycles will be worked on. A workshop altogether lasts between one and two days. The execution of a workshop with ProblemSolver, requires an overhead projector, a PC Data viewing device (beamer), a screen, one to ten computer; the software ProblemSolver; and conventional session equipment such as a flipchart, pin walls, cards, etc.



Typical problems to be solved by ProblemSolver:

Formulation of R&D projects,

Development of new product concepts,

Product improvements,

Strategic options,

Organizational concepts,

Advertising concepts,

Marketing concepts.