Problem and Solution Space Separation
Question: Why do the problem and solution spaces need to be separate?
The user and the buyer are respectively focused on their quest for functionality and value. They are not focused on the product or technology.
Accordingly, the user and the buyer reside in the problem space, and product management which is focused on serving the user and the buyer, is also in the problem space.
Products and technologies reside in the solution space.
Engineering is focused on products and technologies. Accordingly, engineering resides in the solution space.
Both market and product focus and context are lost when not separating the problem and solution spaces.
As a result, the solution space will dominate, and the problem space will be neglected.
The conclusion is that problem and solution spaces must always be separate, especially for complex systems, and be explicit about what is and what is not accurate at each level.