Hey there. Happy to clarify!

The TASK probably exists. Your potential solution might not. Let’s say you want to sell microwave pizza. Your research would be into the many ways that people currently make or buy pizza. That’s “how they do this now” without whatever your solution is.

If your company is targeting people who automate marketing emails and you’re wondering what’s missing or wrong in their workflows now, then you study “how they do this now.” You observe and ask about their steps, tools, workarounds, collaborators, etc. You become an expert in how people do this now.

Then you will see all of the pain points, unmet needs, and opportunities that your company might be able to solve. Or you might learn that they’re really happy with how they do things, and there is no room for your company to make anything.

Did that help? Thanks!