Introduction

The Problem Map is your entry point into the discovery process. Inspired by the "Opportunity Solution Trees" framework fromTeresa Torres’ Continuous Discovery, this board helps you visually connect your product’s core problems to meaningful outcomes and solutions.

It’s a layered, structured map that guides you through key steps in product discovery: from defining the problem, to exploring opportunities, validating assumptions with experiments, and finally identifying initiatives to act on.

You’ll use the Problem Map to set the foundation for your product strategy, which flows directly into the Story Map, where thoseInitiatives become Epics and User Stories.

An AI-powered Co-Pilot (coming soon) will assist by offering suggestions and insights at each stage of the process, helping you move forward with clarity and speed.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

1. Create a Problem Statement

~   Click "Create New +" to begin

~   Add a clear, concise statement describing the core problem you're addressing

~   You can create multiple problem trees if needed, each centered on a different user or business problem

2. Add Outcomes

~   Click the plus icon (+) on the far right of the problem field to add an Outcome

~   Outcomes describe what a successful resolution of the problem would look like

~   Click the chevron on the left to expand the Outcome field and enter additional context

~   When finished, click the checkmark to collapse the field and save your entry

3. Add Opportunities

~   Under each Outcome, click the plus icon (+) to add an Opportunity

~   An Opportunity is a high-level idea or approach that could help achieve the Outcome

~   Expand the field using the chevron to add supporting details, and collapse when done

~   Add Assumptions, For each Opportunity, define the Assumptions you're making—about     users, behavior, technology, or the market. Click     the plus icon (+) in the Opportunity field to add these. These     assumptions form the basis for your next step: testing.5. Define and Run Experiments Link     Experiments to each Assumption to validate or invalidate it. Document     the results directly in the field to help guide decision-making.6. Create Initiatives Once     you’ve gathered enough evidence through discovery and experimentation, add     an Initiative. Click     the plus icon (+) to create an Initiative connected to a validated     Opportunity. Initiatives     represent the strategic efforts your team will prioritize moving forward.All of this flows naturally into the Story Map, where you’llbreak Initiatives into actionable Epics and Stories.User Interface Overview Top     Navigation: Access the Problem Map from the "Fit" section. Plus     Icons (+): Used to add new Problems, Outcomes, Opportunities, Assumptions,     Experiments, or Initiatives. Chevron     Icon (left): Expands the field for detailed input. Checkmark     Icon (right): Collapses the field and saves your entry. Co-Pilot     (coming soon): Will provide AI-suggested problems, outcomes, and     opportunities based on your Canvas.Common Issues and Error StatesSituationWhat You’ll SeeWhat to DoRequired field left blank"This field can’t be empty"Enter a basic statement before continuingParent item not selected"Please add a parent before creating this item"Make sure each Outcome, Opportunity, or Assumption is  linked correctlyField doesn’t save"Something went wrong. Try again later."Refresh the page or check your internet connection UI Details RecapElementWhat it DoesNew +Adds a new Activity, Step, or Detail ItemDropdownsLink each Step/Detail to the correct parentExpandable FieldsAdd descriptions or context to each itemCo-Pilot (coming soon)Will suggest breakdowns based on Initiative contextError States or Common IssuesIssueMessageWhat To DoNo parent selected“Please select an Activity/Step before continuing.”Double-check your dropdownsField left blank“This field is required.”Add a name or short descriptionItems not saving“Couldn’t save item. Try again.”Refresh the board or check internet connectionFrequently Asked QuestionsQ: What’s the purpose of the Problem Map?A: It helps you connect customer or business problems toactionable, validated solutions. It's the foundation for strategic productdevelopment and discovery work.Q: How many Problem Maps should I create?A: You can create as many as needed, typically one per majorproduct challenge or user segment. Each map should stay focused on a specificproblem and its context.Q: Can I skip steps if I already have solutions in mind?A: It’s best to go through the full process. Even if youalready have a solution idea, the mapping process helps ensure it's grounded inactual user needs and validated assumptions.Q: Can I use Co-Pilot to generate map content?A: Soon. The Co-Pilot will help suggest problems, outcomes,and opportunities based on your Canvas data and past entries. For now, you canbuild everything manually.Q: How does the Problem Map connect to the Story Map?A: Once you create an Initiative in the Problem Map, you cancarry it over into the Story Map, where you’ll decompose it into Activities,Steps, and Detail Items. This helps bridge strategy and delivery.Q: Can I change or delete items after creating them?A: Yes. You can edit or remove Problems, Outcomes,Opportunities, and more at any time. The Problem Map is designed to evolve asyour discovery process continues.