Abstract laddering helps designers with problem-framing by broadening and narrowing their initial problem statement. 

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Our problem statement: How might we enable students to feel safe and empowered on college campuses located in high crime neighborhoods?

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Our initial problem statement is located in the middle of Figure 1. Stepping up the ladder, we revised our problem statement to be broader (Why?)  which will provide abstract statements. Stepping down the ladder, we narrowed the problem statement (How?) .

 

We divided each column into three specific categories:

(1) fears

(2) hopes

(3) independence