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Problem Definition Framework

Problem solvingProblem definition

Reference model

Problem Definition FrameworkA canvas of 7 boxes laid out on a grid of 3 columns and 3 rows: Problem Statement, Context, Stakeholders, Symptoms, Root Causes, Desired Outcomes, Constraints.Problem StatementWhat is the issue we are facing?ContextWhat is the background of the problem?StakeholdersWho is affected by this problem?SymptomsWhat are the visible signs of theproblem?Root CausesWhat are the underlying causes ofthe problem?Desired OutcomesWhat do we want to achieve?ConstraintsWhat limits our ability to solvethis problem?

A clear problem definition leads to better solutions.

About this model

A structured approach to defining a problem before solving it: state the problem, set out its context and stakeholders, separate visible symptoms from suspected causes, and agree the desired outcome and the constraints.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Start with the problem statement, then check the context and who is affected.
  • Separate symptoms (what we see) from causes (why it happens), and treat causes as hypotheses to test.
  • Agree the desired outcome and the constraints, then turn the result into dated actions.

What this does

Clarifies the nature of a problem so that the right issues are addressed, and sets out the outcome, limits and first actions needed to guide an effective solution.

When to use it

Use it when a team is struggling to agree on what the real problem is, or when solutions are being proposed without a clear understanding of the underlying issues.

Not when: Do not use it when the problem is already well defined and agreed by all stakeholders, or when an emergency needs immediate action before any analysis.

What happens next

Take the leading cause hypotheses into a root cause analysis tool to test them with data, then build a solution plan against the agreed outcome and constraints.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

  • Stakeholder analysis
  • Situation assessment
  • Customer or operational data review

Feeds into →

  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Solution Development Plan

Use this tool, free

Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

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Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.