Problem interview worksheet
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Prepare a useful conversation, record what happened and separate observations from assumptions.

Version 23 October 2026. Allow 20–30 minutes for an initial draft; evidence collection takes longer.

This is a blank working tool. Replace the prompts with your own observations; do not treat an unanswered field as evidence.

Before the conversation

Who experiences the problem?

What do I need to learn?

How will I ask permission to take notes?

What will I avoid collecting or sharing?

Ask about a real occasion

Tell me about the last time this happened.

What were you trying to achieve?

What did you do first, and then?

What did the current approach cost in time, money or effort?

What alternatives have you already tried?

Keep the record honest

Observation or exact quote (with permission):

My interpretation:

What contradicts my assumption?

What remains unknown?

Permission and anonymity requirements:

Choose the next question

Pattern to investigate across more conversations:

Smallest next step:

Who will do it, and by when?

Source: https://www.waithakandegwa.com/resources/problem-interview-worksheet