5 Whys Template

About the 5 Whys Template

The 5-Whys analysis is a root cause analysis technique that identifies the root cause of a problem by asking "Why?" multiple times. Originally developed by Sakichi Toyoda, this method is typically performed five times to move from symptomatic to root causes, and promotes a deep understanding of problems to develop lasting solutions.

Collaboard offers you a template for the 5 Whys analysis to fill in directly.

Why is the 5-Whys analysis important?

The 5 Whys analysis is important because it systematically uncovers the core causes of problems. Other reasons for using the 5-Whys are:

The method promotes a thorough understanding of the true causes of a problem by penetrating superficiality and uncovering deeper levels of causes.
It supports effective problem-solving by targeting the root causes, thereby enabling targeted and lasting solutions to be developed.
The method is particularly user-friendly due to its simplicity and accessibility, as it does not require complex tools or statistical analysis.

How to use the 5 Whys template in Collaboard

Use one of the ready-made 5 Whys templates and add it to your whiteboard. Adapt the template to your color scheme and design if needed.
Now start asking the main question about your problem and add the answer to a card. Position this card in the first area of the template. Repeatedly ask "Why?" and write down each answer in a new card, which you place on the whiteboard in the subsequent areas of the template.
Develop the 5 Whys analysis further by inviting team members or stakeholders to also add questions and reasons to the method. Thanks to real-time collaboration on the online whiteboard, everyone can actively participate and a 5-Why method can also be carried out in a group.
If you want to present the results of your 5 Whys analysis, either invite the person concerned directly to your online whiteboard or export the result as an image or PDF to share it easily.

Easy to use

Intuitive user interface where you can get started right away without much effort. No app to install, use it directly in your web browser.

Highest data security

Collaboard offers GDPR-compliant data hosting in Europe, Germany or Switzerland of your choice.

Numerous integrations

Collaboard can be easily integrated into your existing video conferencing and collaboration solution.

5 Whys template: Frequently asked questions and answers

How exactly does the 5 Whys method work?

The 5 Why method works by taking a specific problem and repeatedly asking the question "Why?". After each answer, you ask again, "Why did this happen?", and this continues until you get to the root cause of the problem, which is often after five iterations.

Do I always have to ask exactly five 'whys'?

No, the number 5 is just a guideline. Sometimes you reach the root cause after less than five questions, and sometimes you need more. The most important thing is not to stop asking questions until you are convinced that you have identified the real cause.

Can the 5 Whys method be used in any context?

The 5 Why method is versatile and can be applied in most situations where problems arise. However, it is most effective when dealing with simple or moderately complex problems. For very complex problems, complementary methods may be required.

How can I ensure that my 5 Whys analysis is objective and unbiased?

To ensure objectivity, you should make sure that a team of people with different perspectives is involved and that the analysis is based on facts and not assumptions. It is also helpful to back up the findings with data or evidence.

What do I do after I have identified the root cause?

Once the root cause has been identified, you should plan and implement measures to fix the problem. It is then important to monitor the success of these measures and ensure that the problem has been effectively resolved.