problem-framing

Problem Framing Skill

Frame problems effectively using Jobs-to-be-Done, How Might We questions, and persona validation from Notion.

When to Use

• At the start of DIVERGE loop (Ask mode)
• When exploring a new feature or problem space
• Before ideation to ensure clear problem definition

Instructions

Phase 1: Job Story Definition

Create a Job Story in this format:

When [situation/context],
I want to [motivation/action],
So I can [expected outcome/benefit].

Example:

When I'm managing multiple client workspaces,
I want to switch between them quickly,
So I can respond to urgent requests without losing context.

Phase 2: How Might We (HMW) Question

Reframe the problem as an opportunity question:

How might we [opportunity that addresses the job story]?

Guidelines:

• Start broad, then narrow if needed
• Avoid suggesting solutions in the question
• Focus on the user's goal, not the feature

Example:

How might we help users navigate between workspaces seamlessly?

Phase 3: Persona Lookup (Notion MCP)

Fetch relevant personas from Notion database:

1. Search for personas database: ``` API-post-search with query "Personas" or "User Personas" ```

1. Query the database: ``` API-query-data-source with database_id from search results ```

1. Get persona details: ``` API-retrieve-a-page + API-get-block-children for each relevant persona ```

Extract these fields:

• Name
• Role / Job Title
• Goals (what they want to achieve)
• Pain Points (what frustrates them)
• Context (environment, constraints)

Phase 4: Three Dimensions Check

Validate the problem addresses all three job dimensions:

| Dimension | Question | Example | |-----------|----------|---------| | Functional | What task are they completing? | "Switch between workspaces" | | Emotional | How do they want to feel? | "In control, not overwhelmed" | | Social | How do they want to be perceived? | "Responsive, professional" |

Output Format

After running this skill, output:

## Problem Framing

### Job Story
When [situation],
I want to [motivation],
So I can [outcome].

### How Might We
How might we [opportunity]?

### Relevant Personas

| Persona | Role | Goals | Pain Points |
|---------|------|-------|-------------|
| [Name] | [Role] | [Goals] | [Pain Points] |

### Three Dimensions

| Dimension | Definition |
|-----------|------------|
| Functional | [Task] |
| Emotional | [Feeling] |
| Social | [Perception] |

Invocation

Invoke manually with "use problem-framing skill" or follow Ask mode DIVERGE loop which references this skill's phases.

Related Skills

• design-context - Run after problem-framing
• competitor-scan - Research how others solve this problem