tosca-problem-definition

Turns a vague problem into a crisp, solvable one using TOSCA (Trouble, Owner, Success criteria, Constraints, Actors), the problem-definition framework from Bulletproof Problem Solving (Conn and McLean). It catches the failure of solving the wrong problem precisely. This skill does the framing, not the solving.

The five elements, their sharp questions, their pitfalls, and the marks of a good problem statement live in references/tosca.md. Load that file before starting.

When to use

The user has a problem that is broad, fuzzy, or possibly mis-stated, and wants it sharpened before committing effort. It pairs naturally upstream of analysis or solving work: run this first, then hand the problem statement to a solving method (issue tree, hypotheses, the strategy skills in this collection). If the problem is already crisp and owned, skip straight to solving.

Language

Conduct the interview and write the brief in the language the user is writing in. The reference file is English; keep the framework keyed to it regardless of output language.

How to run

This is primarily an interview, with one parallel stress-test before the brief is finalized.

Set up. Briefly explain that TOSCA sharpens the problem before solving it, and that you will ask focused questions on each of the five elements. Capture the user's problem in their own words first, as the raw starting point.