/problem-statement

Define the framing. Change the statement, change the solution space.

A problem statement is not the problem — it's the lens. Different framings open different solution spaces. The right framing makes good solutions obvious; the wrong framing makes them invisible.

When to Use

• Starting new work — before solutions, articulate what you're solving
• Solutions feel off — proposed solutions seem convoluted or like workarounds
• Oscillating on approach — direction keeps changing; framing might be wrong
• Suspected X-Y problem — someone asks for a specific solution but underlying need is unclear
• Requirements expanding — scope creep signals framing mismatch
• After /aim but before /solution-space — aim defines outcome, problem statement frames challenge

Skip when: You have a crisp problem statement. Move to /solution-space.

The Framing Process