frame-problem

Frame stakeholder requests with 5 Whys analysis and solution options.

Updated Mar 3, 2026

Search Tags:#root-cause #5-whys #problem-framing #xy-problem #solution-options #code-planning

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/pelletencate/iron-horse --skill frame-problem

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: frame-problem
Source: https://github.com/pelletencate/iron-horse/tree/main/skills/frame-problem
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/pelletencate/iron-horse --skill frame-problem

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Frame problems and guide solution discovery to avoid XY problems before coding. It helps teams translate vague stakeholder requests into clearly defined problems and actionable plans, surfacing root needs and potential misdirections early in the process.

Core Features & Use Cases

Structured discovery workflow: capture the stakeholder request, perform root-cause analysis with the 5 Whys, and align on the true objective.
Current state analysis: summarize existing codebase and identify gaps relevant to the request.
Option-driven planning: generate multiple solution paths with trade-offs and a recommended approach.
Phase-based guidance: apply before coding to improve planning, feature scoping, and risk mitigation.

Quick Start

Describe the stakeholder request and run the framing process before starting any implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions about frame-problem

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I avoid the XY problem when planning a new software feature?▼

Use problem framing before coding to translate vague stakeholder requests into clearly defined objectives. Document the raw request, perform 5 Whys root-cause analysis, and generate multiple solution options with trade-offs to surface true needs early.

What is the 5 Whys analysis technique for software engineering?▼

The 5 Whys analysis is a root-cause identification technique used during problem framing to iteratively ask why a stakeholder request exists, revealing the true underlying need and preventing misdirected solution implementation.

How do I translate vague feature requests into actionable code specifications?▼

Translate vague feature requests by documenting the raw request, analyzing the existing codebase for gaps, classifying the problem type, and delivering a recommended approach alongside a draft specification for implementation.

What is the best way to evaluate multiple solution options before coding?▼

The best way to evaluate solution options is through option-driven planning, which generates multiple solution paths with explicit trade-offs and recommends an approach, mitigating risks and improving feature scoping before development starts.

When do I need to perform problem framing and codebase analysis?▼

You need problem framing and codebase analysis before coding, during feature requests, or when stakeholder needs are unclear, ensuring the discovery and analysis phases align the proposed solution with the actual root cause.