Problem-solving sounds simple. You see a problem, you fix it. But in reality, most problems are complicated, messy, and interconnected. Fixing one issue often creates new challenges, and rushing into solutions without fully understanding the bigger picture leads to wasted time, money, and effort.
That’s why frameworks exist – to provide a structured way to break down problems and create workable, scalable solutions.
One of the most effective frameworks today is the Triple Diamond Framework. It expands on the Double Diamond model by adding a third diamond that focuses on strategy, systems thinking, and long-term impact.
So, how does this three-diamond approach work? What does each diamond represent? And why is this framework a must-have tool for businesses, designers, and innovators?
Let’s break it all down.
The Three Diamonds at a Glance
The Triple Diamond Framework ensures that teams move from problem to solution in a structured way, reducing risk and improving success rates.
Why Use This Framework?
✅ It prevents teams from solving the wrong problem
✅ It aligns solutions with business goals and market needs
✅ It ensures long-term scalability and sustainability
✅ It speeds up innovation by reducing trial-and-error mistakes
Each diamond represents a key phase of problem-solving:
1️⃣ Diamond 1: Frame the Problem – Step back and analyze the big picture before jumping into solutions.
2️⃣ Diamond 2: Discover & Define – Conduct deep research and define the exact problem that needs solving.
3️⃣ Diamond 3: Develop & Deliver – Prototype, test, refine, and implement a solution that actually works.
Think of these three diamonds as three levels of clarity:
- The first zooms out to understand the entire system.
- The second zooms in to define the specific challenge.
- The third takes action and creates a real-world solution.
Now, let’s dive deeper into each stage.
Diamond 1: Frame the Problem (The “Big Picture” Diamond)
Why Use This Framework?
Before jumping into solutions, you need to ask better questions. Too many teams waste resources trying to fix surface-level symptoms rather than the real issue.
The first diamond forces you to step back and think about the entire system you are working within.
Key Questions to Ask:
➡️ What problem are we actually solving?
➡️ How does this problem connect to larger industry trends?
➡️ Are external factors (market shifts, regulations, technology changes) influencing this issue?
➡️ Does solving this problem make sense from a business standpoint?
Key Actions in Diamond 1:
✅ Zoom out and look at the full ecosystem – Avoid narrow thinking by considering all related issues.
✅ Challenge assumptions – Don’t take the problem statement at face value. Ask “why” five times to uncover deeper causes.
✅ Align with business strategy – Ensure that solving this problem will create real value for customers and the company.
Example: A car manufacturer wants to build a faster vehicle.
- Instead of immediately designing a high-speed engine, they ask: Why do people need a faster car?
- Are they commuting? Racing? Transporting goods?
- If the real issue is traffic congestion, then speed isn’t the main problem – route optimization is.
By framing the problem correctly, teams avoid wasting time on the wrong solution.
Diamond 2: Discover & Define (The “Deep Research” Diamond)
What It Does:
Once you have framed the big-picture problem, it’s time to dig deeper and figure out exactly what needs solving.
This is where the Double Diamond method comes in – teams start exploring, researching, and testing ideas before committing to a specific solution.
Key Actions in Diamond 2:
✅ User Research – Conduct interviews, surveys, and observations to understand real user needs.
✅ Data Analysis – Look for patterns, pain points, and insights from research findings.
✅ Narrow the focus – Define a clear, actionable problem statement that is small enough to solve but big enough to matter.
Example: Sticking with the faster car idea…
- The team talks to commuters and finds that their real frustration isn’t speed – it’s traffic jams.
- Instead of just making a faster car, they consider AI-powered traffic avoidance tools.
- This shift in thinking completely changes the approach to solving the problem.
The output of this phase? A well-defined problem statement backed by real data and user insights.
Diamond 3: Develop & Deliver (The “Make It Happen” Diamond)
What It Does:
Now that you have a clear, research-backed problem statement, it’s time to create, test, and refine solutions.
This phase is where ideas become real-world products, services, or strategies.
Key Actions in Diamond 3:
✅ Brainstorm and generate ideas – No idea is off-limits in the early stages.
✅ Build prototypes – Create quick, low-cost versions of solutions to test before full development.
✅ Test with real users – Get feedback early to avoid costly mistakes.
✅ Refine and iterate – Use data and feedback to improve the solution before launch.
✅ Scale the solution – Ensure the product or service works across different users and scenarios.
Example:
- The team develops an AI-powered commuting assistant instead of just a faster car.
- They build a prototype, test it with drivers, and refine it based on real feedback.
- Once the system proves useful, they scale it into a full product launch.
By testing early and refining the concept, they avoid costly mistakes and increase success rates.
Diamond 3: Develop & Deliver (The “Make It Happen” Diamond)
The Triple Diamond Framework is more than just a problem-solving tool – it’s a way to make sure solutions actually work.
If You Skip These Steps, Here’s What Happens:
❌ You waste time solving the wrong problem
❌ Your solution fails in the real world because it wasn’t tested properly
❌ You miss bigger opportunities by not thinking strategically
❌ Your company loses money on ideas that don’t scale
By following the Triple Diamond approach, teams can:
✅ Reduce risk by making sure they are solving the right issue.
✅ Increase success rates by validating ideas before full development.
✅ Ensure long-term impact by thinking about scalability and real-world fit.
Final Thoughts:
If you are working on a new product, service, or business strategy, here’s how to start using this framework right now:
1️⃣ Don’t jump straight to solutions – Take time to frame the big-picture problem first.
2️⃣ Do the research – Gather user insights and data before committing to an idea.
3️⃣ Test early and refine – Use prototyping and user feedback to improve ideas before launch.
4️⃣ Think long-term – Make sure the final solution is scalable and sustainable.
The Triple Diamond Framework isn’t just theory – it’s a proven method used by leading companies to solve real-world problems effectively.