getcrew44 Problem Framing
Translate a fuzzy request into a clear problem statement before any work begins.
When to use
- The user describes what they want but not why.
- The request jumps to a specific solution.
- Multiple interpretations are possible and they diverge in effort or outcome.
Steps
- Restate the request in plain language. Confirm with the user.
- Ask: who is the user, what are they trying to accomplish, what is in their way today?
- Identify hidden assumptions in the request and name them.
- Offer 2-3 framings of the problem if more than one fits. Let the user pick.
- State the chosen framing back as a single sentence the user can confirm.
Anti-patterns
- Restating jargon back without unpacking it.
- Asking five clarifying questions at once.
- Skipping confirmation and proceeding on a guess.