Problem Solving

KISS Review Framework

An action-orientated review model to convert past experience into practice.

5 Whys Technique

Get to the root cause of an issue by asking "why" repeatedly.

First Principles

Start from the basics and find a new, more logical way of doing things.

FMEA Methodology

Identify failure modes and prioritize risks.

DEEP Technique

Protect your emotional boundaries.

Research Funnel Model

Understand users with clarity, even when resources are tight.

5 Sos Technique for Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking

Continuously asking “So what might happen next?” to project how one event could trigger another.

GRAI Review Framework

Focus on deviations between the goals and results, and identify the key factors that led to the results.

5W1H

Gather comprehensive information and provide clarity in various situations.

PDCA Model

A systematic approach to continuous improvement, involving Plan-Do-Check-Act 4 activities.

5 Sos Technique for Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking

Continuously asking “So what might happen next?” to project how one event could trigger another.

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Applications

Problem Framing Root Cause Analysis

Framework Card

5 Sos Technique for Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking

Goal: Extend problem-solving beyond root causes to forecast future impact and second-order effects.
Flow: Event → So what → So what → So what
Best For: Anticipating downstream consequences; Evaluating long-term impact

Check-In

Why You Need to Think Beyond the Obvious

When a problem happens, most people focus only on the cause. We use the 5 Whys Technique and ask, “Why did it happen?” and try to fix it fast.

But problem-solving is not just about repairing the past; it is also about predicting what could happen next. Many teams fix today’s issue but miss tomorrow’s consequences. The 5 So’s Technique helps you avoid that trap by extending your thinking into the future.

Framework Logic

What is 5 Sos Technique

The 5 So’s Technique is the mirror method of the 5 Whys. While the 5 Whys traces backward to find the root cause, the 5 So’s moves forward to explore possible outcomes and future impacts.

Instead of asking many "Whys", questioning "Sos" allows you to forecast trends, identify hidden risks, and design long-term strategies instead of only short-term fixes.

Deep Read

Core Concept Explained

You start with one event or situation and repeatedly ask “So what?” to reason out the chain of consequences. With each layer, the probability of outcomes becomes lower, but your understanding of potential impact becomes deeper.

This forward reasoning has two key benefits: it helps you spot opportunities that others ignore and prepares you for risks before they appear.

For effective use, remember that:

Each step of deduction should stay realistic. Stop when the likelihood of the next event becomes too small or loses practical meaning.
Combine reasoning with data and domain knowledge. Without solid background understanding, your projection can easily become guesswork.
Classify your reasoning type. Distinguish between absolute reasoning (what must happen) and probability reasoning (what might happen). Keep cautious with assumptions in the second type.

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