In development, a problem statement is a concise description of an issue that needs to be addressed or a condition that needs to be improved. It clearly articulates the gap between the current, undesirable state (the "problem") and the desired, improved state (the "goal").
Here's a breakdown:
- Purpose: To define and focus development efforts on a specific, well-understood challenge.
- Content: It should answer these questions:
- What is the problem?
- Who is affected by the problem?
- Where does the problem occur?
- When does the problem occur?
- Why is it a problem?
- How big is the problem (impact)?
- Importance: A well-defined problem statement helps:
- Prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively.
- Ensure all stakeholders are aligned on the goals.
- Measure the success of a project by how well it solves the problem.
Think of it this way: a problem statement acts as a roadmap. It guides developers and stakeholders, preventing scope creep and ensuring everyone works toward the same objective. Without a clear problem statement, development efforts can easily become unfocused and ultimately fail to deliver the desired results.
For example, instead of saying "We need a new website," a problem statement might be:
"Our current website has a high bounce rate (60%) due to poor navigation and outdated content, resulting in a 20% decrease in lead generation compared to last year. This negatively impacts our sales team's ability to acquire new customers and hinders company growth. A redesigned website with improved user experience and updated content is needed to reduce the bounce rate to 40% and increase lead generation by 15%."
This example clearly identifies the problem (high bounce rate, decreased lead generation), the impact (negatively impacts sales, hinders growth), and the desired outcome (reduced bounce rate, increased lead generation).
