01 / THE IDEA
What does it mean?
Problem framing gives a team a useful statement of whose problem matters, what blocks progress, and what outcomes would signal improvement. It should change as evidence emerges.
02 / IN PRACTICE
Make it concrete.
Illustrative example: Instead of starting with “redesign the search bar,” a team asks why people cannot find products. They discover that confusing category names are the real obstacle.
03 / WHAT TO WATCH FOR
A common mistake.
Describing a proposed feature as though it is the problem.
04 / WHEN IT HELPS
When should you use it?
When competing solutions appear before users’ needs are clearly articulated.
05 / FURTHER READING
Explore the source.
Nielsen Norman Group — Problem Statements ↗This is a reference for further learning, not an endorsement or a verbatim quotation.