Problem Solving

KISS Review Framework

An action-orientated review model to convert past experience into practice.

5 Whys Technique

Get to the root cause of an issue by asking "why" repeatedly.

First Principles

Start from the basics and find a new, more logical way of doing things.

FMEA Methodology

Identify failure modes and prioritize risks.

DEEP Technique

Protect your emotional boundaries.

Research Funnel Model

Understand users with clarity, even when resources are tight.

5 Sos Technique for Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking

Continuously asking “So what might happen next?” to project how one event could trigger another.

5W1H

Gather comprehensive information and provide clarity in various situations.

Brainstorming

A creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas.

Zoom-In and Zoom-Out Model

Allows you to handle challenges with clarity, whether you need to see the big picture or focus on the details.

Freud’s Iceberg Theory

Developed from human psychology, it help us understand how the conscious and unconscious mind interacts.

Fishbone Diagram

A simple yet powerful tool that helps you analyze and solve problems in a structured way.

SCAMPER Method

Generate new ideas by systematically remixing existing products, processes, and assumptions.

Outcome Discovery Canvas

Define measurable outcomes and success metrics before you commit to building features.

DIKW Model

Move beyond information overload and make truly wise decisions.

Magic Loop Framework

Capture feedback, act on it, make changes stick, and report back with clarity.

Four-Step Innovation Model

Turn raw ideas into market-ready products through a disciplined, four-stage innovation pipeline.

4Ps Problem-Solving Framework

Discover the real problem before solving it.

POEMS Framework

Gives teams a clear way to observe, classify, and interpret user behavior.

5 Whys Technique: Discover Root Causes

Get to the root cause of an issue by asking "why" repeatedly.

FRAMEWORK CARD

5 Whys Technique

Goal
Identify the true root cause behind recurring or complex problems.
Best For
Root cause analysis; Process breakdown diagnosis; Recurring issue investigation

Why Use the 5 Whys?

The 5 Whys technique is valuable because it digs deeper into the problem, helping you move past surface-level symptoms to understand the core issue.

This approach leads to more effective solutions and helps prevent the problem from recurring in the future.

After identifying a category or potential cause from Fishbone Diagram, 5 Whys technique can be used to explore that cause further.

Origins of the 5 Whys

The 5 Whys technique is often associated with Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries.

It was developed as part of the Toyota Production System (TPS), a system famous for its emphasis on continuous improvement.

While Toyota popularized the technique in manufacturing, similar problem-solving methods have been used across various industries.

The concept is simple: when faced with a problem, you ask "why" it occurred, and then continue asking "why" to each subsequent answer, ideally five times or until you reach a fundamental cause.

This process continues until you identify the fundamental cause.