Problem Framing and Stakeholder Analysis

Definition

Problem Framing and Stakeholder Analysis

Problem framing and stakeholder analysis define the operational problem before selecting a technical solution. The work identifies affected users, decision makers, workflow owners, incentives, constraints, current failure modes, desired outcomes and potential harms. For AI projects it also asks whether the problem is caused by missing capability, poor process, data quality, organisational incentives or a genuine need for probabilistic automation.

Why It Matters

Problem framing defines the current situation, affected people, desired change, constraints and evidence. A solution statement disguised as a problem prevents exploration.

Stakeholder analysis identifies users, decision-makers, operators, data subjects and people who bear risks. Their interests and authority are rarely identical.

Failure mode

The recurring risk is treating this concept as a label rather than an engineering decision with trade-offs, evidence needs and operational consequences.

Evaluation check

Ask what observable evidence would show that this concept has been applied well in a real system, repository or learning exercise.

Related Concepts

• Shaping canvas
• Human oversight and guardrails

Further study: Marty Cagan, Inspired, and NIST, AI Risk Management Framework.