Are You Asking the Right Questions? Discover the 5W1H Framework for Design Excellence
Join me as I dive into the 5W1H framework to enhance your problem-solving skills, reveal this week's trivia answer, and explore some exciting new tech developments.
Good morning, designers! I hope you had a relaxing Labor Day weekend! Believe it or not, it's not just the beginning of September—it’s also a milestone for our newsletter, marking four consecutive weeks of sharing content! Thank you all for joining me on this journey. Though it’s just getting started, I’m excited about our continued growth!
As I reflected on this milestone, I started thinking about the nuggets of wisdom I've gathered over the years that have helped me tackle various design challenges. And one key phrase kept coming back to me: What questions was I asking?
It might not sound like much at first, but think about it—knowing the right questions to ask and when to ask them can make all the difference. It’s a skill that can change the course of even the biggest projects. With this in mind, get ready, because today I'll be sharing with you the 5W1H framework that will help you solve any problem. But not only that I’ll also be providing you with a FREE Figjam template so that you will be able to integrate it into your next project.
For some of you, this might be a refresher; for others, you may have just stumbled upon gold. These techniques will set you apart from designers who are simply winging it.
But before we dive into that... let’s start with this week’s trivia question 😉
Trivia Time!
By now, we're all pretty familiar with mobile games and apps. There are probably millions to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to think about just how far we've come. But have you ever wondered where it all started? Which game set the stage for the mobile gaming revolution?
Well, with that, here comes this week’s trivia question!
Which of these puzzle games, released on July 10th, 2008, among the 552 initial App Store apps, is widely cited as one of the first breakout hits?
A) Bejeweled
B) Trism
C) Sudoku Master
D) Tetris
E) Enigmo
Find the answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter!
Exploring the 5W1H Framework: From Origins to Product Design
The 5W1H framework is a time-tested tool originally developed for journalists, detectives, and even scientists to systematically approach and solve complex cases. By asking six fundamental questions—Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How—these professionals could quickly and effectively uncover the essential details of any situation. This structured approach ensures that no stone is left unturned, making it invaluable in fields where thoroughness and accuracy are paramount.
Though I had heard of this framework before, it wasn’t until I read Artiom Dashinsky’s book, Solving Product Design Exercises, that I truly grasped its power. Dashinsky took the traditional 5W1H framework and adapted it specifically for product design, revealing how these simple questions can lead to profound insights when designing products. Since then, I’ve frequently referenced this framework and discovered various other adaptations that enhance its utility in the design process.
With this in mind today we’ll dive into each of the six key questions exploring how they can be applied to product design. For those who want to put this into practice immediately, I’ve created a FigJam template that you can access and use to guide your own projects. The framework is not only quick and effective but also versatile, making it a must-have tool in your design arsenal.
FigJam Template
The 5W1H Framework: A Deep Dive
Below, we’ll dive into each of the six questions—Why, Who, When & Where, What, and How. You might notice that the traditional order has been adjusted, and that’s intentional! I’ve rearranged the sequence to better align with the design thinking process, making it more intuitive and helping you gain a comprehensive understanding to deliver the most impactful solutions. Let’s dive into it, starting with our Why.
🔎 Why Are We Building This?
Clarify the purpose and rationale behind the project. Understanding the "why" is crucial to ensuring that the project's goals align with the needs of the stakeholders and end-users.
Key Considerations:
Why is this project important?
What problem are we trying to solve?
Why does this solution matter to the stakeholders and end-users?
Why is this the right time to address this issue?
Why does this project align with our broader goals or strategy?
Note: Remember, understanding the "why" not only drives purpose but also keeps the team aligned and motivated throughout the project.
🔎Who Needs to Be Involved and Who Are We Building This For?
Identify the end-users, key stakeholders, and relevant team members. Ensure that all voices are included to avoid building in silos, and remember to consider input from all necessary parties throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Considerations:
Who are we building this for, and what are their needs?
Who will use the final product, and how does that influence the design?
Who are the primary stakeholders?
Who needs to be involved at each stage of the project?
Who will provide input, feedback, or approval?
Note: Involve early, involve often—engagement and collaboration are key to avoiding misalignment and ensuring the project meets its objectives.
🔎When and Where Will It Be Used?
Determine the timeline and context for the project's use. Gain an understanding of when and where users will interact with the product, feature, or service to ensure it fits their needs and environment.
Key Considerations:
When does this project need to be completed?
When will the end-users interact with the product?
Where will the product be used (e.g., physical location, digital platform)?
When and where will key milestones occur?
Are there any timing or environmental factors that could impact the project?
Note: Consider the user’s environment and timing—context is key to delivering a solution that truly resonates with and supports the user.
🔎What Are We Building?
Define the scope, objectives, and deliverables of the project. Clearly understanding what you are building ensures that everyone is aligned and that the project stays on track.
Key Considerations:
What are the specific goals of this project?
What features or components need to be included?
What are the expected deliverables?
What constraints or limitations must be considered?
What are the success criteria for this project?
Note: Clarity in scope leads to clarity in execution—ensure that all team members understand exactly what is being built and why.
💡Bring the Idea to Life
Though this step isn't one of the original 5W1H questions, I’m including it to provide important context. By now, you’ve gathered all the necessary insights and considerations. You’ve defined what you’re building, who it’s for, when and where it will be used, and why it matters. With all this information in hand, you’re ready to bring your idea to life. This is the moment where planning meets action—take all that you’ve learned and start brainstorming and building the solution that will make an impact.
Note: Don’t forget to use tools like a Prioritization Matrix to identify which solution to move forward with! This can help you focus on the ideas that offer the most value and are the most feasible to implement.
⏱️How Can We Measure Success?
Once you have a solution in place, it’s crucial to track how you will measure its success. Establish the metrics and evaluation methods that will help you understand the impact and effectiveness of the solution, ensuring it meets the project’s goals and user needs.
Key Considerations:
How will we measure success?
How will we track progress throughout the project?
What key performance indicators (KPIs) are relevant?
How will we gather feedback from stakeholders and end-users?
How will the results be analyzed and reported?
Note: It’s not just about checking off boxes—consider the experience as a whole to truly gauge the impact and effectiveness of the project. Don’t forget to use tools like a prioritization matrix to identify the best possible solution.
This wraps up the core 5W1H framework for product design. Remember, this is a powerful tool for product designers, providing clarity, focus, and a structured approach to tackling design challenges. By applying this framework, you can ensure that your projects are grounded in solid reasoning, well-aligned with stakeholder needs, and ultimately successful in delivering impactful solutions.
I hope you found this content valuable and that it helps you in your design journey. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to check out the references below.
References
5W1H: How I apply the 5W1H framework to work by Carrie Sim (LinkedIn Post)
A Comprehensive Guide to the 5W1H Method by Jaydee Reyes (Safety culture Post)
Note: Today's post is not sponsored; I’m simply sharing resources that I found genuinely valuable in my work.
Cool Tech of the Week: Mixing It Up
This week, I’m mixing it up a bit. While I normally share a single tech news highlight, this time I want to open things up and share a few cool tech developments and news stories that caught my eye. Let’s dive in!
Gantri Revolutionizes Lamp Design with Customizable Colors
Why It’s Cool: Gantri, a leader in 3D-printed lighting, has introduced a groundbreaking color customization system for their lamps, offering up to 4,000 unique combinations. This innovation not only highlights Gantri's commitment to personalized design but also underscores the potential of 3D printing in product design.
Read more: Gantri Customizable Lamps (Wired)
Scientists Use DNA to Build Chess Playing Computer
Why It’s Cool: This breakthrough in bio-computing offers a glimpse into a future where biological processes could revolutionize computing power and efficiency. This could open new avenues for innovation, particularly in fields requiring complex data analysis and biomimicry.
Read more: DNA-Based Computing (Yahoo)
Emotion AI Emerges in Business Software: Potential and Pitfalls
Why It’s Cool: Emotion AI in business software is revolutionizing how technology interacts with users by detecting and responding to human emotions. This trend offers exciting possibilities for personalized user experiences and enhanced customer engagement, though it also raises ethical concerns about privacy. For product designers, it emphasizes the importance of ethical AI development while showcasing the potential to create more empathetic and user-centered products that drive business value.
Read more: Emotion AI in Business Software (TechCrunch)
Hyundai Confirms Production of Retro-Futuristic N Vision 74
Why It’s Cool: Hyundai’s N Vision 74, a hybrid sports car concept, is confirmed for production, blending retro-futuristic design with cutting-edge technology. For product designers, the N Vision 74 is a case study in balancing heritage and innovation, demonstrating how design can drive both form and function.
Read more: Hyundai N Vision 74 (Top Gear)
That’s a wrap on this week’s Cool Tech! I hope you enjoyed this broader look at some of the exciting developments happening in the tech world. Whether it’s sustainable design, groundbreaking scientific advancements, or the ethical implications of AI, there’s always something fascinating on the horizon. As always, I encourage you to stay curious and keep exploring!
Trivia Question Answer
Earlier in the newsletter, I asked: Which of these puzzle games, released on July 10th, 2008, among the 552 initial App Store apps, is widely cited as one of the first breakout hits?
A) Bejeweled
B) Trism ⬅️ Correct Answer
C) Sudoku Master
D) Tetris
E) Enigmo
That’s right Trism is the correct answers! Released on July 10th, 2008, as part of the 552 initial apps on the App Store, Trism quickly became one of the first breakout hits in the world of mobile gaming. This innovative puzzle game, designed and developed by Steve Demeter, introduced a unique twist to the match-three puzzle genre by incorporating diagonal and triangular sliding mechanics—a fresh take that caught the attention of users and developers alike.
But Trism didn’t just make waves for its gameplay. Steve Demeter's story is equally inspiring. Prior to the release of Trism, Steve was working a regular 9-to-5 job as a software engineer. Fueled by his passion for gaming and a desire to create something new, he spent his evenings and weekends developing Trism. His hard work paid off—Trism grossed $250,000 in just the first two months after its release.
After the success of Trism, Steve Demeter went on to further impact the gaming industry by inspiring a generation of indie developers. He became a symbol of what could be achieved with creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. His success with Trism encouraged countless others to try their hand at developing apps, showing that one person with a great idea could indeed make a significant impact in the tech world.
Inspiration for Designers:
As designers, there’s so much to learn from stories like Steve’s. The world of design and development is vast and full of opportunities. Don’t be afraid to explore your interests, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you're working on a mobile game, a new app, or a product design project, remember that innovation often starts with a small idea and a lot of passion. Who knows? Your next side project could be the next big thing!
Thank you for reading today’s post!
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