When dealing with problems you might want to use these universal questions:
- What does the landscape (environment) look like? (overview of situation)
- do a spectrum analysis with categories or environmental element-types you’re dealing with (navigational approach)
- what are the biggest concerns or challenges? (Prioritized order)
- when does this specific problem or situation occur? (timing & predictability)
- What is most important to be successful in this environment? (Gamification)
- Who has done or dealt with this it before you? (Pioneers)
- Can you learn from them? (Are they experts? + communication / didactcal skills)
- Who are the experts in this field? (Look for Books, claims, and verified results)
- Is this expert knowledge from (book)research& study, simulation or experience?
- Could you define a golden rule (rule of thumb)? (Condensed knowledge for most sotuations)
- Is there a manifest or general guidebook for people dealing or seeking these quests? (Guild, vocational guidelines)
- Can you find usable handbooks or references dealing with this specific situation? (How to publications with some proven track-record or experience)
- What have you learned in your research, journey or quest? (usability assessment and practical info)
As a problem solving method you might want to look for the loop:
Source: http://www.indstate.edu/blumberg/presm/usingdata.htm