As a UX designer, there are plenty of ways to find a problem to solve. Here are the two most common scenarios we encounter when approaching a new project:
In the first scenario, you don’t know what problem you are solving. You can only figure it out by talking to users. From this research, you then determine if, from a business perspective, it’s worth pursuing. If it is, user needs and business objectives overlap and everyone is happy.
In the second scenario, there’s a potential business opportunity. Doing research will help you make sure you're solving the right problem and if it’s worth your time and the business investment. Of course, you’ll want to be sure to meet user needs along the way.