Research Product Problems Through Six Lenses1 skill
Execute Teresa Torres' 6-Layer Problem Definition Framework to produce a multi-perspective problem definition before any solution work begins.
Product Research Blueprint
Research Product Problems Through Six Lenses
smith-hornMay 2026
A Claude skill that guides you through Teresa Torres' 6-Layer Problem Definition Framework for systematic product research.
Customer ResearchProblem DefinitionProduct DiscoveryBehavioral Analysis
Install Command
Run this command to deploy the blueprint to your environment.
What problem does this solve?
Executes a structured, six-layer research process that produces a multi-perspective problem definition before any solution work begins. Each layer examines the problem through a different lens: customer mental models, ecosystem view, behavioral dynamics, status quo attempts, technology enablers, and feasible influence. Running all six layers before considering solutions produces a problem definition robust enough to survive contact with reality.
How does it work?
Once installed, you invoke the skill with a product or problem domain. You choose Quick mode (desk research, 1-2 days per layer) or Full mode (primary research, 3-5 days per layer). Claude then guides you through each layer in sequence: gathering evidence via WebSearch and WebFetch, presenting raw findings, creating a synthesis document, and letting you pause or ask follow-up questions between layers. After all six layers complete, you get a unified problem statement, solution direction, convergence analysis, and source index. Output: a multi-perspective problem definition grounded in all six lenses.
Included Skill Groups
What's the biggest win?
A problem definition that incorporates customer voice, ecosystem dynamics, behavioral barriers, prior failures, technical possibilities, and realistic constraints before any solution work begins.
What should I know technically?
Requires WebSearch and WebFetch tools for research gathering. No external packages needed. Output files default to `docs/research/` in your project directory. Individual layers can be re-run selectively without repeating the full framework.
What should I watch out for?
First runs take 2-4 hours in Quick mode and substantially longer in Full mode. Layer 3 (behavioral dynamics) is the hardest to execute well. The most common mistakes: confirming your hypothesis instead of listening to customers in Layer 1, skipping Layer 4 (status quo attempts), and treating behavioral blockers as communication problems.
Key Features
Six-Layer Systematic Research
Examines the same problem through customer mental models, ecosystem view, behavioral dynamics, status quo attempts, technology enablers, and feasible influence.
Quick and Full Depth Modes
Choose between desk research (5-10 sources/layer, 1-2 days) or primary research (25-40+ sources/layer, 3-5 days) based on your scope.
Layer-by-Layer Synthesis
Each layer produces a raw research document and a consolidated synthesis before moving to the next layer.
Behavioral Science Frameworks
Layer 3 uses Fogg's B=MAP, TAM, and Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations to diagnose behavioral blockers beyond communication problems.
Cross-Layer Problem Statement
Produces a unified problem statement, solution direction, and convergence analysis after all six layers complete.
Tools in this Blueprint
About This Blueprint
- License
- MIT
- Industry
- Technology
- Skills
- 1 standalone