problem-framing
Use when beginning analytical or strategic tasks, facing undefined problems, or facing analysis paralysis—requires explicit problem definition before proceeding.
Profile →npx skills add majiayu000/claude-skill-registry --skill problem-framing-joellewis-skill-library --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
## Overview Problem-framing is the "discovery gate" that ensures you are solving the right problem before investing resources in solutions. It uses human-centered design principles and strategic cascades to move from symptoms to root causes. ## Iron Law `NO ANALYSIS WITHOUT APPROVED PROBLEM FRAMING FIRST` Premature analysis leads to solving the wrong problem, wasting resources on elegant solutions to low-value or non-existent issues. ## State Machine ```dot digraph problem_framing_flow { "Start" [shape=doublecircle]; "Step 1: Observe & Gather Context" [shape=box]; "Step 2: Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys)" [shape=box]; "Step 3: Reframing & Questioning" [shape=box]; "Gate: User Approval of Problem Statement" [shape=diamond]; "Step 4: Define Winning Aspiration" [shape=box]; "Done: Discovery Gate Passed" [shape=doublecircle]; "Start" -> "Step 1: Observe & Gather Context"; "Step 1: Observe & Gather Context" -> "Step 2: Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys)"; "Step 2: Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys)" -> "Step 3: Reframing & Questioning"; "Step 3: Reframing & Questioning" -> "Gate: User Approval of Problem Statement"; "Gate: User Approval of Problem Statement" -> "Step 4: Define Winning Aspiration" [lab
- Overview
- Iron Law
- State Machine
- When to Use This Skill
- When NOT to Use This Skill
- Core Process
- Step 1: Observe & Gather Context
- Step 2: Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys)
- Step 3: Reframing & Questioning
- Step 4: Define Winning Aspiration
- Cross-Skill Invocations
- Rationalization Table
- Red Flags
- Diagnostic Checklist
What does the problem-framing skill do?
Use when beginning analytical or strategic tasks, facing undefined problems, or facing analysis paralysis—requires explicit problem definition before proceeding.
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add majiayu000/claude-skill-registry --skill problem-framing-joellewis-skill-library --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From majiayu000/claude-skill-registry, a repository with 534 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.