Problem Statement
Who needs what, and why it matters
- PhaseFrame
- Group3 to 10 people
- Time30 minutes
- SettingRoom or remote
- ExecutivesYes
What it is
A problem statement is a single sentence that says who needs what, and why it matters, grounded in something the team learned. It gives the group one agreed description of the problem before anyone proposes a solution.
When to use it
When the group needs one shared definition of the problem before moving on, or when a sponsor needs a single sentence to sign off.
When to skip it
When you still do not know who the problem belongs to. Go back to Understand.
How to run it
- 5 minAgree the person or group the problem belongs to.
- 10 minEach person drafts a statement alone using the frame.
- 10 minRead all drafts aloud. Merge into one, keeping the sharpest insight.
- 5 minCheck: does it name a person, a need and a reason it matters, without a solution?
About 30 minutes of method time. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
What to watch for
Hiding a solution inside the statement. Saying "lack of AI" is the problem.
The AI lens
Add a line for what is at stake if the answer is wrong. It sets the trust cost early.
What you leave with
One agreed sentence, plus the cost of getting it wrong.
An example
'A claims handler needs a way to see likely duplicate cases before opening them, because she loses the first twenty minutes of a case checking.' The sentence names a person, a need and an insight, and it does not mention a technology.
How it compares
A Problem Statement states the problem. How Might We opens it up for ideas. Jobs-to-be-Done describes the progress the person is trying to make.
Related methods
Questions
What is Problem Statement?
A problem statement is a single sentence that says who needs what, and why it matters, grounded in something the team learned. It gives the group one agreed description of the problem before anyone proposes a solution.
When should I use Problem Statement?
When the group needs one shared definition of the problem before moving on, or when a sponsor needs a single sentence to sign off.
How long does Problem Statement take and how many people do I need?
Problem Statement takes about 30 minutes and suits 3 to 10 people, plus a facilitator. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
How is Problem Statement different from other methods?
A Problem Statement states the problem. How Might We opens it up for ideas. Jobs-to-be-Done describes the progress the person is trying to make.
Can I run Problem Statement remotely or with executives?
Yes. Problem Statement works in the room or remotely. Remotely, put the canvas on a shared board in advance and write silently in the board, not in chat. Executives: Yes, works with executives present.