Clear definition of problem being solved
It is important that we understand the problem before defining a solution. Articulating the problem helps work through what is known about the problem and where there are gaps in knowledge. The problem definition should be a living document that is revisited and updated often as the problem becomes better understood.
A problem statement can express the value of a project and define the scope or focus of a project. An example problem statement might look like this:
The problem of... (problem description)
Affects... (the people impacted by this problem)
The impact of which is... (how are the people effected by the problem)
A successful solution would provide... (the benefits of a proposed solution)