mingyao743/make-rational-decision/5w2h-analysis

5W2H Analysis

A seven-dimension framework that ensures complete coverage of any task, plan, or problem by systematically answering: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, How much.

When to Use

• Project planning and kickoff
• Task definition and delegation
• Requirements gathering
• Process documentation
• Incident investigation
• Any situation where completeness matters

The Seven Dimensions

Process

1. Start with Why — establish purpose before anything else

• Without a clear "why", all other dimensions lack direction
• Ask: What problem does this solve? What value does it create?

1. Define What — clarify the deliverable

• What exactly needs to be produced or achieved?
• What does "done" look like? (acceptance criteria)

1. Identify Who — assign ownership

• Who is the responsible owner (single person)?
• Who are the contributors and stakeholders?
• Who needs to be informed?

1. Determine When — establish timeline

• What is the start date and end date?
• What are the key milestones?
• What are the dependencies?

1. Specify Where — define context

• Where will the work be performed? (physical/virtual)
• Where are the inputs and resources located?
• Where will the outputs be delivered?

1. Plan How — outline the approach

• What is the step-by-step method?
• What tools and processes will be used?
• What are the potential obstacles and mitigations?

1. Calculate How much — quantify resources

• What is the estimated cost?
• How many people-hours are needed?
• What materials or resources are required?

Output Format

## 5W2H Analysis: [Task/Project Name]
 
### Why — Purpose
- **Goal**: [Why this task exists]
- **Value**: [Expected outcome/benefit]
 
### What — Deliverable
- **Scope**: [What is included]
- **Out of scope**: [What is explicitly excluded]
- **Acceptance criteria**: [Definition of done]
 
### Who — People
- **Owner**: [Single accountable person]
- **Contributors**: [Team members]
- **Stakeholders**: [Interested parties]
 
### When — Timeline
- **Start**: [Date]
- **Milestones**: [Key dates]
- **Deadline**: [Date]
 
### Where — Context
- **Location**: [Physical/virtual]
- **Resources**: [Where inputs come from]
- **Delivery**: [Where outputs go]
 
### How — Method
- **Approach**: [Step-by-step plan]
- **Tools**: [Required tools/systems]
- **Risks**: [Obstacles and mitigations]
 
### How Much — Resources
- **Budget**: [Cost estimate]
- **Effort**: [Person-hours/days]
- **Materials**: [Required resources]

Extensions

This skill is enhanced by the following shared extensions:

• `_shared/diagram-renderer.md` — Mermaid mindmap template for rendering the 7 dimensions
• `_shared/skill-workflows.md` — Workflow 2 (Strategy Chain) and Workflow 5 (Goal-to-Execution Chain) use 5W2H as the final planning step
• `_shared/examples-library.md` — Example 4 shows a complete 5W2H for launching an AI feature

Rules

• Every dimension must have a concrete answer — "TBD" is only acceptable during initial drafting
• "Who" must name a single accountable person, not a team or department
• "When" must include specific dates, not relative terms like "soon" or "ASAP"
• "How much" must include a numeric estimate, even if approximate
• If any dimension cannot be answered, it should be flagged as a risk