One-page problem brief | World Enterprise

How to use this. Fill in every section in plain words. If a line has no evidence yet, write "unknown" and list how you will find out. Keep it to one page.

1. The problem in one sentence

Write the problem as the customer would say it. Do not mention your solution.

Example shape: “When [situation], [type of person] struggles to [task] because [cause].”

2. Who has it

Primary customer: the role and the kind of organization, in one line.
Who pays: the person or budget that would pay, if different from the user.
Who else is affected: people who use, approve or block the work.

3. What they do today

The current workaround, tool or process.
What it costs them in time, money or risk, described in their words.
Why the workaround is not good enough.

4. Evidence so far

List what you have observed, not what you believe. Mark each item with its type.

Evidence	Type (interview, observation, data, document)	Date	What it shows

5. What is still unknown

Write the three assumptions that would change your plan if they were wrong.

6. The next test

Question to answer:
Method: (for example five customer interviews, a landing-page test, a prototype walk-through)
Who and how many:
What result would make you continue, change direction or stop:
Date you will review the result:

7. Decision log

Date	Decision	Reason	Owner