Create a structured problem statement document for a feature, bugfix, or project. Use when starting a project, adding a feature, or fixing a bug and you need to clearly define the problem, context, desired outcome, and success criteria. Accepts input from Jira tickets (via MCP), document links, or text descriptions.
Install
npx skillscat add petestewart/claude-skills/problem-statement Install via the SkillsCat registry.
SKILL.md
Problem Statement
Create a PROBLEM.md document that clearly defines what problem is being solved and what success looks like.
Workflow
1. Gather Input
Ask the user for one of:
- Jira ticket: Use the Atlassian MCP tools to fetch ticket details (
mcp__plugin_atlassian_atlassian__getJiraIssue) - Document link: Fetch and extract relevant context
- Text description: User provides details directly
If input is sparse, ask clarifying questions:
- Who is affected by this problem?
- What's the current behavior vs expected behavior?
- Why does this matter now?
2. Generate PROBLEM.md
Create the document at project root using this structure:
# Problem Statement: [Concise Title]
## Problem
What's broken or missing? Who is affected? Be specific.
## Context
Background information. Current state. Why this matters now.
Include relevant technical context if applicable.
## Desired Outcome
What does success look like? What should be true when this is done?
Describe the end state, not the solution.
## Success Criteria
Measurable or verifiable conditions that confirm the problem is solved.
- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2
- [ ] Criterion 3
## Out of Scope
What this work does NOT address. Helps prevent scope creep.3. Open in Typora
After creating PROBLEM.md, open it for the user:
open -a Typora PROBLEM.md4. Offer Next Steps
After opening the document, ask the user:
"I've created PROBLEM.md. Would you like me to:
- Review for gaps - Check for unclear areas, missing context, or weak success criteria
- Expand to PRD - Run
/prdto create a full Product Requirements Document- Done - Proceed with the problem statement as-is"
If review is requested:
- Check that the problem is clearly articulated (not solution-focused)
- Verify success criteria are measurable/verifiable
- Identify any ambiguous terms or assumptions
- Suggest improvements and offer to update the document