5W2H
Updated 2026-08-09
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
The 5W2H framework extends the familiar five questions with how, the method of execution, and how much, the cost or extent involved. Applied to a plan, it asks why the action is needed, what will be done, who is responsible, when it happens, where it happens, how it will be executed, and how much it will cost or produce. Any unanswered question marks a gap that would otherwise surface during execution.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Fill all seven: answer each question explicitly and treat blanks as open risks. - Quantify the extent: state the cost, scale or expected result rather than leaving it implied. - Check the why last: confirm the plan addresses the reason it exists, not just the mechanics.
Anchor fast decisions
Plans fail most often on the questions that were never asked, and the omissions stay invisible until execution reaches them. Forcing an explicit answer to each of the seven makes the gaps visible while they are still cheap to close. Adding the how much question also attaches a budget and an expected result to the plan.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Wsverified
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