Define Problem
Sharpen a fuzzy idea by interrogating the problem, then gather web evidence on constraints and existing solutions.
Overview
define-problem is a plugin marketplace for the Idea phase that uses a questioning lens and web evidence to sharpen problem statements before you build.
What is this marketplace?
- define-problem plugin acts as a problem-definition lens, not a code generator
- Iterative questioning until the problem statement is sharp and testable
- Web research pass for evidence on good constraints and existing solutions
- Productivity-category plugin published by Marcelo Cavalcanti
- Single-plugin marketplace focused on clarity before implementation
- 1 plugin in marketplace (define-problem)
- Workflow: question loop then web evidence for constraints and solutions
What problem does it solve?
Solo founders often start building features when the underlying problem, constraints, and competitive alternatives are still vague.
Who is it for?
Indie builders at the whiteboard stage who want an agent-facilitated discovery session before prototypes or code.
Skip if: Teams with an approved PRD, pure implementation tickets, or problems that do not need external evidence gathering.
What do I get? / Deliverables
After install, you get a sharply defined problem brief backed by web-sourced notes on constraints and existing solutions to guide what to validate next.
- Sharp problem definition document
- Notes on constraints and existing solutions from web research
Plugins in this marketplace
1 plugin — install individually after you add the marketplace.
Recommended Marketplaces
Journey fit
Canonical shelf is Idea because the define-problem plugin is a problem-definition lens used before you scope or build the wrong thing. Discover subphase fits structured questioning plus web hunting for constraints and incumbent solutions before commitment.
How it compares
Problem-definition productivity plugin, not a database debugger or academic paper MCP.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is Define Problem for?
Solo builders and product-minded developers who need clarity on the problem space before committing engineering time.
When should I use Define Problem?
Use it at the start of a new product idea, pivot, or feature when stakeholders still describe the work in vague or solution-first terms.
How do I add Define Problem to my agent?
Register the Define Problem marketplace in Claude Code, install the Define Problem plugin, then run the lens on your idea and review the refined statement and web findings.