WWWWH

From WikID

This article is part of the Bachelor design guide; the original version can be found at page 92.

Contents 1 What is Who, What, Where, Why, When and How? 2 When can you use Who, What, Where, Why, When and How? 3 How to use Who, What, Where, Why, When and How? 3.1 Starting points 3.2 Expected outcome 3.3 Possible procedure 4 Tips and concerns 5 Literature

What is Who, What, Where, Why, When and How?

Analysing a problem means obtaining a thorough understanding of the problem, its stakeholders and the facts and values involved. An important notion in problem analysis is deconstruction of the problem: by asking oneself a multitude of questions (about the stakeholders, facts, etc.), one is able to decompose the problem systematically. Consequently, the problem can be reviewed, and priorities can be set. There are several methods available for analysing a problem systematically, among which WWWWH (who, what, where, when, why, and how?). Another method is decomposing the original problem in means-end relationships.

When can you use Who, What, Where, Why, When and How?

Problem analysis is one of the first step in a design process, right at the beginning of a design project.

How to use Who, What, Where, Why, When and How?

Starting points

Preliminary problem definition or a design brief.

Expected outcome

Clearity of the problem situation (problem context).
Understanding of the stakeholders, facts and values of the problem.
Insights in problems underlying the initial problem.

Possible procedure

1. Write down the initial design problem in brief statements.
2. Ask yourself the following WWWWH questions in order to analyse the initial design problem. Perhaps you can find more questions yourself: Who are the stakeholders? Who has the problem? Who have an interest in finding a solution? What is the problem? What has been done to solve the problem? Why is it a problem? Why is there no solution? When did the problem oc­cur? How did the problem come about? How did (some of) the stakeholders try to solve the design problem?
3. Review the answers to the questions. Indicate where you need more information.
4. Prioritize the information: what is important? why?
5. Rewrite your initial design problem (see also: problem statement)

Tips and concerns

• Who: mention as many people that are involved with the problem
• What: think also about the problems behind the problem. Try to find the essence of the problem.
  • You can also ask What for.

Literature

• M. Tassoul (2006) Creative Facilitation: a Delft Approach, VSSD, Delft.