Drill Down

Drill Down is a simple technique for breaking complex problems down into progressively smaller parts.
To use the technique, start by writing the problem down on the
left-hand side of a large sheet of paper. Next, write down the
points that make up the next level of detail on the problem a little
to the right of this. These may be factors contributing to the
problem, information relating to it, or questions raised by it. This
process of breaking the problem down into its component part is
called 'drilling down'.
For each of these points, repeat the process. Keep on drilling down
into points until you fully understand the factors contributing to
the problem. If you cannot break them down using the knowledge you
have, then carry out whatever research is necessary to understand
the point.
Drilling into a question helps you to get a much deeper
understanding of it. The process helps you to recognise and
understand the factors that contribute to it. Drill Down prompts you
to link in information that you had not initially associated with a
problem. It also shows exactly where you need further information.

Example
The owner of a windsurfing club is having
complaints from its members about the unpleasant quality of the
water close to the clubhouse. This seems like a huge problem. She
carries out the analysis in Figure 1:


This gives her a starting point in which to begin thinking about the
problem. It highlights where she does not fully understand the
problem, and shows where she needs to carry out further research.

Key Points
'Drill Down' helps you to break a large and
complex problem down into its component parts, so that you can
develop plans to deal with these parts. It also shows you which
points you need to research in more detail.