5W2H Framework: A powerful tool for product discovery in design

Designing products without a thorough understanding of your target audience, goals, and constraints can lead to misguided solutions. While new features in tools like Figma are exciting, they must be accompanied by effective?product discovery methods.

5W2H framework is a useful method for defining any problem. Stupidly simple, and incredibly powerful. Use this framework to understand your target audience, goals, and constraints.

5W2H framework?is an acronym for the six areas it encompasses: Why, What, Who, Where, When, and How. This framework is a valuable tool that can help uncover critical information and guide your design process by focusing on the key aspects. It will empower you to make informed decisions and create solutions that truly resonate with the people you are designing for.

Let’s delve into each of these components to understand their significance in the product discovery process.

WHY

The “Why” aspect of the framework revolves around understanding the underlying motivations, goals, and overall value proposition of your product. By clarifying the purpose behind your design, you can align your efforts with the desired outcomes and create meaningful solutions.

WHAT

The “What” component focuses on determining the specific?purpose and requirements?of your product. It involves defining the functionality, features, and specifications necessary to address the identified problem or need. A clear understanding of the “What” ensures that your design aligns with the intended objectives.

WHO

Identifying the?target audience?and?key stakeholders?is crucial for successful product discovery. The “Who” aspect requires you to gain insights into your?users’ characteristics, preferences, and needs. This knowledge enables you to tailor your design to suit their requirements and create an engaging user experience.

WHERE

The “Where” dimension of the framework examines the?contexts or environments?in which your product will be used. Considering the usage scenarios, physical or digital settings, and any constraints specific to these contexts helps you design a solution that seamlessly integrates into users’ lives.

WHEN

The “When” element involves establishing a?timeline or schedule?for the design, development, and launch of your product. This aspect ensures that you have a clear?roadmap?and realistic expectations regarding the project’s timeline, allowing for effective planning and resource allocation.

HOW

The final component of the framework is “How,” which explores the strategies, resources, and steps involved in the design process. By defining the?methodologies, tools, and techniques?required, you can streamline your workflow and optimize the efficiency of your design endeavors.

HOW MUCH

How much will this product or service cost? You should consider the pricing model of your solution and ensure that the design created is accessible to your target audience.

Difference between 5W1H and 5W2H frameworks

The 5W2H and 5W1H frameworks are both commonly used tools for gathering information and organizing thoughts. However, they differ in the number of components they encompass. The 5W2H framework consists of five “W” questions (Why, What, Where, Who, When) and two “H” questions (How and How much) when the value or cost is involved in the subject explored. On the other hand, the 5W1H framework includes the same five “W” questions but focuses solely on the “How” aspect.

If you are specifically interested in exploring the “How” component and its relevance in design or any other field, then the 5W1H framework would be the suitable choice for your project. However, if you want to discover a broader range, and delve into the “How” and “How much” aspects along with the others, the 5W2H framework would be more appropriate.

Consider your specific goals and the scope of your project to determine which framework aligns better with your intentions.

Explore UX Design Methodology with a Miro mind map

UX Design Methodology?is a process for creating user-friendly products, services, and experiences. It involves researching, designing, testing, and refining the product or service to ensure it meets the user’s needs and desires.

This is a multi-stage, iterative step-by-step methodology that incorporates design thinking that designers and teams use for delivering design projects. While this methodology varies depending on the product and organization, most companies use the design thinking process as the foundation:

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UX Design Methodology is a user-centered approach that emphasizes understanding the users' needs and preferences, defining the problem to be solved, generating a wide range of design ideas, and executing the design through prototyping, UI design, and design system development. The methodology emphasizes continuous testing and iteration to ensure that the final design provides a positive user experience.

While you are working on a project and need information at a stage, use?this mind map?to explore all sections.

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— That’s it for this edition.?Design has a unique role in solving some of the most complex challenges the world is facing. If it is design that got us here, design can get us out. We are exploring ways how to create a better world, from person to brand to product.?Join us.