A3 Problem Analysis

Apply A3 problem-solving format for comprehensive, single-page problem documentation and resolution planning.

Description

Structured one-page analysis format covering: Background, Current Condition, Goal, Root Cause Analysis, Countermeasures, Implementation Plan, and Follow-up. Named after A3 paper size; emphasizes concise, complete documentation.

Usage

/analyse-problem [problem_description]

Variables

• PROBLEM: Issue to analyze (default: prompt for input)
• OUTPUT_FORMAT: markdown or text (default: markdown)

Steps

1. Background: Why this problem matters (context, business impact)
2. Current Condition: What's happening now (data, metrics, examples)
3. Goal/Target: What success looks like (specific, measurable)
4. Root Cause Analysis: Why problem exists (use 5 Whys or Fishbone)
5. Countermeasures: Proposed solutions addressing root causes
6. Implementation Plan: Who, what, when, how
7. Follow-up: How to verify success and prevent recurrence

A3 Template

═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
                    A3 PROBLEM ANALYSIS
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

TITLE: [Concise problem statement]
OWNER: [Person responsible]
DATE: [YYYY-MM-DD]

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. BACKGROUND (Why this matters)                            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [Context, impact, urgency, who's affected]                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 2. CURRENT CONDITION (What's happening)                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [Facts, data, metrics, examples - no opinions]              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘