Good vs bad problem statements

Bad problem statements are vague and solution-focused. "We need a better checkout flow" assumes the solution before understanding the problem. It doesn't explain what's wrong, who's affected, or what success looks like.

Good problem statements are specific and user-focused. "New users abandon their carts 40% more often than returning users during the payment step, resulting in $2M lost revenue monthly." This statement identifies who has the problem, when it happens, and why it matters to the business.

The best problem statements balance specificity with flexibility. They're detailed enough to guide solutions but don't dictate the approach. They focus on outcomes rather than features. They give teams room to explore creative solutions while keeping everyone aligned on what needs to be solved.