Five Whys

The Five Whys Technique starts with examining the obvious aspects of a problem. By asking “why” repeatedly, up to five times, you dig deeper to uncover the root cause. This simple yet powerful 5 whys root cause analysis method helps move beyond symptoms to identify underlying issues. Because the five whys technique is straightforward, anyone can apply it effectively during problem-solving activities to find lasting solutions. Use this 5 why methodology to enhance user research and design problem-solving processes.

Quick details:

Five Whys

Structure:

Unstructured

Preparation:

None

Deliverables:

Insights

Five Whys

More about Five Whys Technique

The Five Whys technique is valued for its simplicity and universal applicability. It helps ensure that action is not taken prematurely by encouraging a thorough exploration of whether an identified reason truly causes the problem. While the traditional method involves asking “why” five times, the actual number may vary based on the problem’s complexity – sometimes three or seven questions are enough. The key is to keep asking “why” to peel back layers and reach the root cause.

Developed by Sakichi Toyoda in the 1930s and refined at Toyota Motor Corporation, the method is a core part of Toyota’s problem-solving training and continuous improvement philosophy (Kaizen). It focuses on uncovering the root cause of unexpected issues, not assigning blame—and aims to implement solutions that prevent recurrence.

The 5 Whys tool works well for individuals but is especially effective in team problem-solving sessions. Involving those with firsthand knowledge of the issue leads to more accurate root cause identification. However, success depends heavily on having a well-trained and experienced facilitator or researcher to guide the process.

Advantages of Five Whys Technique

1. Information Sharing

When conducted within teams, the Five Whys technique promotes knowledge sharing about the root causes of problems and strategies to solve them, helping build problem-solving skills among all members.

2. Gets to the Bottom of Issues

This method encourages digging deep into complex problems by peeling back layers, leading to logical and effective solutions.

3. Teamwork and Active Participation

By involving the entire team in asking the critical “whys,” members feel more engaged and invested in the outcome, fostering collaboration and stronger team bonds.

4. Clear Steps to Address Problems

Sharing findings widely gives everyone insight not only into the challenges faced but also into how those problems are being tackled and resolved.

5. Easy to Implement

The Five Whys technique is simple to apply yet can be used with sophistication to generate meaningful insights.

Challenges of Five Whys

1. Lack of Expert Participation

Some knowledgeable team members might hesitate to participate due to fear of judgment, limiting the quality of insights.

2. Facilitator Knowledge Limits Effectiveness

The success of the method depends heavily on the facilitator’s expertise to guide the discussion and ask relevant questions that lead to the root cause.

3. Challenges in Collating Responses

Different participants may provide varied answers to the same “why,” making it difficult to consolidate findings and draw clear conclusions.

4. Need for an Experienced Facilitator

An experienced facilitator is essential to steer the process effectively and ensure meaningful outcomes.

Think Design's recommendation

We often see disclaimers like “These acts were performed by experts. Do not try this at home” during stunt shows—and the Five Whys technique deserves a similar warning. It takes a skilled questioner and experience to frame the right “whys,” knowing when to dig deeper and when to stop.

For example:

Why were you late to class?
Because I got up late.

Why did you get up late?
Because I went to bed late.

Why did you go to bed late?
Because I was partying with friends.

Here, the root cause seems simple, but real user research is rarely this straightforward. Users may not always be fully honest or forthcoming with answers, and applying the Five Whys in group settings can sometimes lead to confusion or counterproductive outcomes.

The core goal of the Five Whys is to dig deep and uncover the real issues, but this requires experience to navigate the process effectively and extract meaningful insights. The results can be unpredictable without proper expertise.

Our advice: always involve an expert when using the Five Whys technique and have a backup plan ready to ensure reliable and actionable findings.

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