Need vs Want

What is a need?
● It can be objective and physical, such as food, or subjective and
psychological, such as the need for self-esteem.

● It is something that would improve one’s experience that can

be relate to physiology, safety, love/belonging, esteem or
self-actualization

● A need is NOT a solution. A need is a general phrasing from

which MANY solutions can come.
 What is a want?
● Wants are tangible or intangible desires that are inherently
unnecessary, but seemingly fulfilling.

● Wants are usually very narrow and often misguided; as

such, truly satisfying a want is difficult. While needs can
be met and satiated, wants are typically unquenchable.

● A want is a solution, though, it may not be the best

solution available.
Needs Wants
Differentiating Need Vs. Want

A need has multiple solutions while

A want has only one solution

Practice

Fill out the Need vs Want worksheet

2.5 Problem Statement
Problem Statement Example 1

a. We need to improve our food market share

among children by 5%– INCORRECT
b. Children need to eat nutritious food to thrive,
be happy and grow – CORRECT
Problem Statement Example 2

Schools need quality infrastructure in order to

facilitate students.
Problem Statement Example 3

Rural communities need a sustainable supply of

energy in order to have and utilize electricity.
Problem Statement Example 4

People need access to sanitation and

masks to avoid getting infected with the
coronavirus.
Problem Statement Example 5

Businesses need access to markets in order to

thrive.