DOCA.3:1 - Problem Frame

Use this when a development lead names an attractive niche, technology, course, service, or provider promise, but the receiving use and the reason to change it remain unclear. Someone may say “we need AI,” “become a leader,” or “offer faster analysis” without identifying whose result is unsatisfactory, what difference matters, or what could actually be supplied.

Start by asking the receiver what is missing or foregone in one bounded use. Relate that problem to a proposed contribution and an inspectable acceptance expectation. The first useful result is a supported worthwhile problem or an explicitly unconfirmed problem hypothesis, together with the proposed contribution, its limits, and the question that could confirm, narrow, or reject it.

The subject that might develop and the receiver of its later contribution can differ. A person may explore their own future Work without an adviser; an organization may investigate a contribution for a client; a research programme may seek an epistemic contribution rather than a commercial offer.

Ordinary non-use boundary. Reuse an adequate problem/contribution account when its receiving use, evidence, protections, and horizon remain current. Proceed to DOCA.4 if only the way of obtaining that contribution is missing. Use PSD.3 when a bounded decision-support inquiry needs materially different problem formulations. This pattern does not establish an actual commitment, choose a direction, or justify intervention by itself.