Re-examine the original problem by asking why and how. In this list, each statement can be understood as answering "why" the statement below it, while also answering "how" to the statement above it.

 In what way might I ... 

• lead a more positive and satisfying life
• listen to more music
• increase access to music during daily activities
• * provide quick and easy access to earbuds
• prevent tangling of the earbuds cables when stored (my previous gap from Week 1) 

The higher-level gap in bold helps to broaden the definition of the design problem and exposes types of solutions that might have been overlooked with the more narrowly defined gap. For example, we might start looking at issues like how to find the earbuds at the bottom of a disorganized backpack.

 Revised Gap Statement: a system to provide quick and easy access to earbuds during everyday activities

Revised Gap Statement: a  system to provide quick and easy access to earbuds during everyday activities
 
User Interviews: Using the revised gap, I interviewed a number of friends about their experiences using earbuds. I gave them earbuds and observed how they interacted with them. It was very interesting how quickly they became engaged and even enthusiastic about telling me their own frustrations. It was as if they had been waiting to share these experiences with someone. I found the exercise very helpful in understanding the issues they had, and the process exposed several new needs that I had not considered. It also was very helpful for me to step out of the user role and take on the perspective of a detached observer. This allowed me to make several new insights into possible improvements for the design.

Hierarchy of User Needs:

Makes earbuds easier to deploy or store
1.    Prevents tangling of the cables
2.    Makes wrapping the cables more reliable and repeatable
3.    Can be used when on the phone (maybe one-handed)
4.    Is not complicated to understand or use
5.    Is easy to use without looking or in the dark
6.    Makes earbuds quicker to deploy or store
7.    Keeps earbuds from getting tangled around keys in pocket
8.    Does not snag on other objects in bag

Makes the earbuds last longer
9.    Prevents stress or damage to the thin wires and the rubber strain-relief connectors at the ends
10.  Keeps the wire from kinking
11.  Provides protection from bumps from other objects like books stored in backpack

12.  Works with user's choice of earbuds (different styles)

Has a compact design
13.  Small enough to be comfortable in running shorts
14.  Fits jeans pocket
15.  Is not too bulky to keep in a small purse
16.  Has no hard corners or edges that would be uncomfortable in a tight pocket

Protects earbuds from harsh environments
17.  Keeps dust and grit from bag off of earbuds
18.  Keeps earbuds dry if water splashes them
19.  Sturdy enough to take camping

Makes it easier to locate earbuds
20.  Can be found easily by feel in the bottom of a bag or can attach to bag
21.  Is easy to see in a dark backpack
22.  Can attach to the music device for storage

Is well-made and durable
23.  Is washable if it gets dirty or if something like coffee spills on it
24.  Won't fall apart after a short period
25.  Has no extra parts to break or lose

Has attractive aesthetic characteristics
26.  Looks fashionable
27.  Has a "techy" style
28.  Looks cool
29.  Looks unobtrusive
30.  Makes it easy to distinguish gym earbuds from another pair
31.  ! Can be personalized to suit the user's aesthetic needs

32.  ! Helps prevent accidental loss of earbuds

33.  ! Could double as a stand to watch a video on a smartphone

34.  ! Has place to store a small object such as a guitar pick or note

Four sketches of Tulip Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen