Testing the clarity of a problem definition

Even a well-written problem statement should be tested for clarity and focus before it becomes part of a specification. A simple check is to see if anyone reading it, whether from design, engineering, or leadership, can understand the issue without extra explanation. A clear statement shows what the problem is, who it affects, and why it matters. If any of these parts are missing or unclear, the statement needs refinement.

Clarity testing can also include verifying whether the statement describes the problem without suggesting a solution. For instance, “users can’t access saved settings after logout” defines a clear issue, while “the login system needs to be rebuilt” already proposes how to fix it. The first version leaves space for the specification to define the solution later. Testing the clarity of the problem definition ensures that the final specification builds on a well-understood, fact-based foundation.