Solution Brief

A solution brief is a concise, one-page document that communicates the proposed solution to a problem. It serves as the bridge between problem understanding and detailed specification, providing enough context for stakeholders to align on the approach without getting lost in implementation details. The one-page constraint forces clarity and prioritization.

When to Use

• Pitching a solution approach to stakeholders for buy-in
• Aligning cross-functional teams on what you're building and why
• Documenting solution intent before detailed PRD writing
• Comparing multiple solution options at a high level
• Communicating product direction to leadership

When NOT to Use

• Stakeholders are aligned and engineering needs the full specification -> use deliver-prd; the brief pitches, the PRD specifies
• The problem is not yet framed or agreed -> use define-problem-statement first
• You are recording a decision already made -> use develop-adr (technical) or develop-design-rationale (design)
• You need to compare strategic options across the whole business model -> use foundation-lean-canvas