Technological problem-solving is a universal response to human needs and wants. A need or want is identified and a solution is sought. There are many ways of getting from one point to the other. Collectively, these ways may be analysed and implemented as the technological problem-solving model.
Needs are basic such as food, shelter and other things considered essential to survival.
Wants are much broader and include the full range of things people wish for. Problems are usually specific and require immediate, or near term, solutions. Opportunities, on the other hand, are more futures oriented. Often, a want is perceived by an individual only after an opportunity to meet it is presented. This is frequently the case in a consumer society.