- Defining the Challenge: Each iteration of the learning engineering process starts with understanding the challenge, need, or opportunity for improvement in a way that is specific and actionable. Sometimes the challenge is identified in a previous investigation stage and often through data-informed decision-making.
- Defining the Challenge Context: Learning engineering teams examine the problem within its broader context, identifying contributing factors and how they impact learner outcomes. The context may include social, environmental, organizational, and motivational contexts in which learning takes place as well as contextual factors around the learners and learning objectives or subject areas..
- Defining the Challenge Constraints: The context for a learning engineering team also includes the assets available and constraints (time, resources, talents, etc.) which limit the solution options.
- Goal Alignment: Problem framing includes aligning the educational goals of the project with institutional or instructional objectives. This ensures that the final solution directly supports desired outcomes, such as increased engagement, improved retention, or enhanced skills acquisition.