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The Kipling method


When working on a product feature, presentation, or even a project in general, it’s crucial to keep the end-user or audience in mind. The best way to ensure that your work aligns with their needs is by using a structured approach to guide your thinking. This set of six key questions—Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How—is an invaluable tool for problem-solving, project planning, and ensuring clarity in your work.

Understanding the Kipling Method

Let’s break down how each of the 5W1H questions works and why they’re so effective in shaping ideas, solving problems, and developing solutions.

  1. Who – Who is the target user or audience? Who will benefit from this feature or presentation? Identifying your key stakeholders, users, or customers ensures that your work stays relevant to the people who matter most.
  2. What – What problem are you solving? What is the core objective of this product feature or presentation? Defining the purpose or goal is critical to guiding your work in the right direction.
  3. When – When is this feature or presentation needed? What is the timeline or deadline? Knowing the "when" helps in project planning and prioritization, ensuring that deliverables meet expectations on time.
  4. Where – Where will this feature be used? In what context will the presentation be viewed? Understanding the environment or platform allows you to tailor your work to the appropriate setting, whether it’s a digital product or an in-person presentation.
  5. Why – Why is this feature important? Why should people care about this presentation? The "why" addresses the purpose and motivation behind the work, helping to communicate its value effectively.
  6. How – How will this feature work? How will the presentation achieve its goals? The "how" focuses on execution, providing clarity on the steps needed to bring the feature or project to life.

Why it Works

The power of the Kipling Method lies in its simplicity and versatility. By using this structured set of questions, you can ensure that no critical aspects are overlooked, whether you're solving a problem, planning a project, or communicating an idea. It forces you to dig deeper into each element of your work, ensuring that everything you create has a clear purpose and direction.