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Assignment_ Problem Statement

The document outlines a structured approach for startups to define and stress-test their core problem before proposing solutions. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on specific individuals and their pain points, while prohibiting the use of certain technology-related terms. Additionally, it includes a self-diagnosis section to help identify potential pitfalls in previous ideas.

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divyanshi.s23csai
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2 views2 pages

Assignment_ Problem Statement

The document outlines a structured approach for startups to define and stress-test their core problem before proposing solutions. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on specific individuals and their pain points, while prohibiting the use of certain technology-related terms. Additionally, it includes a self-diagnosis section to help identify potential pitfalls in previous ideas.

Uploaded by

divyanshi.s23csai
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

📝 End-of-Day Deliverable: Problem Statement Stress-Test & Redraft

Deadline: Today, End of Day (EOD)


Goal: Deconstruct and stress-test your startup idea by strictly defining the core problem before
jumping to solutions.

🚨 Strict Submission Rules


1.​ Forbidden Words: You are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from using the words “app”,
“platform”, or “AI” anywhere in your submission. Focus on the human and the pain, not
the technology.
2.​ NO AI: Don’t use any AI LLM. Be Original.
3.​ Format: Submit your response by filling out the 5-part framework below, followed by a
consolidated 1-paragraph problem summary.

Part 1: The 5-Field Framework Worksheet


Fill out each section using the guidelines provided:
●​ 1. WHO (The Specific Person):
○​ Guideline: Name one specific, findable person. Include age, city, and occupation.
Do not use vague terms like "users," "youth," or "small businesses".
○​ Your Answer:
●​ 2. WHAT PAIN (The Quantifiable Cost):
○​ Guideline: What exact cost are they bearing today? Quantify it in rupees lost,
hours wasted, risk carried, or embarrassment suffered.
○​ Your Answer:
●​ 3. HOW TODAY (The Current Workaround):
○​ Guideline: What friction-filled workaround are they already using today? (Every
real problem has a workaround; if there isn't one, the pain might not be real).
○​ Your Answer:
●​ 4. WHY NOW (The Trigger/Change):
○​ Guideline: What changed in the last 24 months (regulation, cost structure,
behavior shift, or infrastructure)? "Technology improved" or "Market is big" is
NOT an answer.
○​ Your Answer:
●​ 5. WHY YOU (Unfair Advantage / Lived Experience):
○​ Guideline: What is your unfair access, specific insight, or direct experience
bleeding from this exact pain? "We are passionate" is NOT an answer.
○​ Your Answer:

Part 2: The Pitch-Free Paragraph

Combine all five fields above into a single 3-4 sentence paragraph.
Self-Test Checklist: Read your paragraph aloud. If it sounds like a sales pitch or describes a
product feature instead of a person in pain, scratch it out and write it again.

Part 3: Failure Mode Self-Diagnosis

Identify which failure mode your original/previous idea was leaning toward prior to this
exercise:
●​ Mode A: Solution in Disguise (Loved a product idea and reverse-engineered a
problem)
●​ Mode B: Borrowed Problem (Solving a news-cycle, investor, or competitor trend)
●​ Mode C: Problem Without a Payer (The person in pain won't/can't pay)
●​ Mode D: Problem Ahead of Its Market (Right thesis, but market education will burn all
runway)

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