# Problem-Solution Narrative Outline

Build a factual narrative that defines a problem, explains its mechanism, evaluates possible solutions, and preserves evidence, tradeoffs, and limitations.

## Usage note

Do not exaggerate a problem to make one solution look necessary. Represent who is affected, competing explanations, alternatives, costs, uncertainty, and cases where the proposed solution is not appropriate.

## How to use this template

1. Define the affected reader, observable problem, consequence, boundaries, and evidence.
2. Map symptoms, contributing mechanisms, competing explanations, and unresolved questions.
3. Compare reasonable options using explicit criteria before choosing a featured solution.
4. Connect the selected solution to evidence, prerequisites, limitations, and failure paths.
5. Review every claim and ensure the closing action follows from what the narrative established.

## Blank template

### Problem definition

- **Reader and situation:** [Describe]
- **Desired outcome:** [Enter]
- **Observable problem:** [What happens?]
- **Frequency and consequence:** [Evidence]
- **Who or what is outside scope:** [Enter]
- **Sources and firsthand evidence:** [List]
- **Assumptions to test:** [List]
- **Unknowns:** [List]

### Cause map

- **Symptom:** [Enter]
- **Possible mechanism:** [Explain]
- **Evidence for mechanism:** [Reference]
- **Alternative explanation:** [Enter]
- **Reader control or constraint:** [Describe]
- **Specialist question:** [Enter]
- **Causal language justified:** [Yes / No / Unclear]

### Option comparison

Duplicate for each option.

- **Option:** [Do nothing / Process change / Existing tool / Proposed solution / Other]
- **Mechanism addressed:** [Enter]
- **Evidence:** [Reference]
- **Prerequisites:** [List]
- **Effort, cost, and time:** [Enter]
- **Risk and reversibility:** [Enter]
- **Limitations and poor-fit cases:** [Enter]

### Narrative and review

- **Opening evidence:** [Direct problem statement]
- **Problem explanation sequence:** [List headings]
- **Solution evidence and example:** [Enter]
- **Required limitation placement:** [Enter]
- **Useful closing action:** [Choose, test, read, or seek help]
- [ ] No unsupported urgency, fear, or universal claim appears.
- [ ] Alternatives receive a fair and useful explanation.
- **Reviewer and update trigger:** [Name/date/trigger]