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"
   

2. Query the database:

   API-query-data-source with database_id from search results
   

3. 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