About the 5 Whys template
The 5 Whys exercise is a structured and efficient approach to problem-solving. You can use it to expose the underlying reasons behind a product-related challenge or customer feedback. By iteratively asking "why" five times, you get closer to the source of the issue.
For instance, you might complete this exercise when product usage is down or you see a drop in customer engagement. It can also be useful when assessing the potential impact and value of features in your backlog. Or try it during a retrospective to uncover why something did not go as planned.
Give it a try the next time you have a thorny problem or need to make an important decision. There is value in documenting the "whys" of what did (or could) happen and giving the team a forum for discussion.
How to use the 5 whys template
Reflect on core challenges and solve them together.
Define the problem Clearly articulate the problem or issue are you trying to address to narrow the analysis. Gather colleagues from different teams who can contribute unique perspectives to the discussion.
Ask "Why?" Begin the session by asking "Why?" to identify the most obvious cause of the problem. From there, keep asking "Why?" to dig deeper and uncover the true cause. Repeat this process at least five times or until further questioning is no longer productive.
Document the analysis Use this template to capture your responses. This helps you visualize the progression of causes and focus your analysis on areas that are within your control — ensuring that your efforts lead to meaningful action.
Implement solutions Develop and implement appropriate solutions or corrective actions based on the identified root cause. Monitor the results to confirm the problem is adequately addressed.
FAQs about the 5 Whys template
Why is the 5 Whys approach important?
The 5 Whys approach helps product teams identify the fundamental cause of problems instead of merely addressing symptoms. By repeatedly asking "Why," product managers can gain deeper insights into issues — and then use what they learn to implement the right solutions.
What are some 5 Whys best practices?
As you ask each "Why", be straightforward and objective with your answers. Avoid jumping to conclusions or moving through this exercise too quickly. Engage members from different areas of the product team who will bring diverse perspectives and insights.
How should the findings from a 5 Whys session be documented?
Write each question and answer it in the whiteboard template along with agreed-upon actions or lessons learned. Use inline commenting to capture insights from collaborators or add links to related information. This creates resources the team can refer to if similar issues occur in the future. It can also help you track the effectiveness of your implemented solutions.
Is this template free to use?
Yes. To use this 5 Whys template, sign up for a free 30-day trial of Aha! Whiteboards. (You can also try this template in Aha! Roadmaps if you need a complete product management solution.) Easily customize the template to suit your needs, then share it with as many people as you want (for free) to streamline collaboration.
