Section 1a — Get to the Bottom of Opportunities
The 5W1H Method
Now that you've identified a problem worth solving, it's time to understand it more deeply. One of the best tools for this is the 5W1H method — a set of six powerful questions that help you dig beneath the surface of any problem.
The six questions are:
- What — What exactly is the problem?
- Who — Who is affected by this problem?
- Why — Why does this problem exist?
- Where — Where does this problem happen?
- When — When does this problem occur?
- How — How does this problem affect people?
Why Use 5W1H?
When we first notice a problem, we often only see the surface. The 5W1H method forces us to slow down and ask deeper questions — the kind of questions that reveal the real root cause.
For example, you might notice that students at your school don't read much. But why is that? Is it because books are boring? Because the library doesn't have the right books? Because students don't have time? The 5W1H method helps you figure out the real reason — so you can design a solution that actually works.
Applying Each Question
What is the problem? Be as specific as possible. Don't just say "people are unhealthy" — say "teenagers in my neighbourhood don't have access to affordable, nutritious food after school."
Who is affected? Think about who experiences this problem directly. Are they students, seniors, parents, small business owners? Understanding your target group is essential.
Why does it exist? What are the root causes? Is it a lack of resources? A gap in the market? A social barrier? There could be many reasons — try to list them all.
Where does it happen? Is it a local problem, national, or global? Is it in schools, workplaces, homes, or public spaces? The location matters for designing your solution.
When does it occur? Does it happen daily, weekly, seasonally? Understanding timing helps you design the right kind of response.
How does it affect people? What are the real consequences of this problem? How does it impact people's lives, wellbeing, finances, or opportunities?