Problem Discovery

Reduce uncertainty about a problem, not prove a favored solution. Define disconfirming evidence and decision criteria before collecting data.

Frame the Hypothesis

[Specific segment] experiences [observable problem]
in [situation/frequency], causing [measurable consequence].
They currently use [alternative/workaround], which fails because [evidence].

Record:

• target decision and deadline;
• riskiest assumptions;
• existing alternatives, including doing nothing;
• evidence that would increase or decrease confidence;
• ethical, legal, accessibility, and privacy constraints.