Problem Definition

A problem definition defines what the problem is without any reference to possible solutions.

The first prerequisite you need to fulfill before beginning construction is a clear statement of the problem that the system is supposed to solve. This is sometimes called “product vision,” “vision statement,” “mission statement,” or “product definition.”
…
The statement “We can’t keep up with orders for the Gigatron” sounds like a problem and is a good problem definition.
The statement “We need to optimize our automated data-entry system to keep up with orders for the Gigatron” is a poor problem definition. It doesn’t sound like a problem; it sounds like a solution.

Code Complete, 2nd Edition, by Steve McConnel. Pg 37