Assignment: 5W1H — Get to the Bottom of Your Problem
Now it's your turn to use the 5W1H method to deeply analyze the problem you identified in Module 2.
This assignment will help you understand your problem at a much deeper level — which is essential before you can design a solution that actually works.
What to Do
Using the problem you selected in Module 2, answer each of the six 5W1H questions as specifically and thoughtfully as possible.
Step 1: State your problem
Write a clear, one-sentence description of the problem you are focusing on.
Step 2: Answer the 5W1H questions
For each question below, write 2–4 sentences that answer it as specifically as you can. Use what you learned from your research and empathy interviews in Module 2.
- What — What exactly is the problem? Describe it in detail.
- Who — Who is affected by this problem? Be specific about age, location, background, or other relevant characteristics.
- Why — Why does this problem exist? What are the root causes?
- Where — Where does this problem happen? Is it local, regional, or broader?
- When — When does this problem occur? How often? At what time of day, year, or life stage?
- How — How does this problem affect the people experiencing it? What are the real consequences?
Tips for Success
- Be specific — avoid vague or general answers. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to design a targeted solution.
- Use evidence — refer back to your interviews, observations, or research from Module 2 to support your answers.
- Think about root causes — especially for the "Why" question, try to go beyond the obvious surface explanation.
- It's okay if your answers evolve — this is a thinking process, not a final report.
Examples
Look at the example responses from Aisha, Jacob, and Jenny to see how they applied 5W1H to their own problems.
When you're ready, submit your 5W1H analysis in the submission box!