Define

Define

Converge the broad discovery findings on "$ARGUMENTS" into a focused problem statement, "How Might We" questions, and a research plan for the solution phase.

Prerequisites

Read .metapowers/research/$ARGUMENTS/01-discover.md. If this file does not exist, tell the user:

Phase 1 (Discover) has not been completed for "$ARGUMENTS". Run /research:discover $ARGUMENTS first, or use --skip-checks to bypass.

If --skip-checks is present in $ARGUMENTS, skip this check and log to .metapowers/research/$ARGUMENTS/skip-log.md.

Process

1. Read context files:

   • Read .metapowers/research/$ARGUMENTS/01-discover.md for discovery findings
   • Read plugins/research/shared/double-diamond-guide.md for methodology reference
   • Read plugins/research/shared/research-plan-template.md for output structure

2. Synthesize findings:

   • Review all themes from the Discover phase
   • Identify the core tension or unmet need
   • Distinguish root causes from symptoms
   • Map relationships between themes

3. Formulate the problem statement:

   • Write a clear, specific, actionable problem statement
   • Avoid solution-language (the problem, not the answer)
   • Ensure it's scoped enough to be solvable

4. Generate "How Might We" questions:

   • Create 3-5 HMW questions that reframe the problem as opportunities
   • Each HMW should open a different solution direction
   • Avoid HMW questions that are too broad or too narrow

5. Define success criteria and scope:

   • What does "solved" look like? Specify measurable criteria
   • What's in scope and out of scope for the Design phase?
   • Identify constraints and assumptions

6. Write the artifact to .metapowers/research/$ARGUMENTS/02-define.md following the research plan template structure.

Output

The problem definition written to .metapowers/research/$ARGUMENTS/02-define.md. Present a summary to the user highlighting:

• The problem statement
• Top HMW questions
• Key scope decisions
• Recommended focus for the Design phase