The 5 Whys analysis is a simple yet powerful problem-solving tool that can resolve nearly 50% of issues with just five questions, saving up to 70% of troubleshooting time. With the use of artificial intelligence, Boardmix simplifies this methodical process, allowing the team to focus on their creative ideas rather than being mired in structural layout. Without having to manually map out problems and hypotheses, users can now rely on AI to produce structured inquiry pathways, identify underlying reasons supported by data. In this tutorial, you will learn about how to use AI 5 whys in problem-solving step by step.
What is AI 5 Whys Analysis?
The AI 5 whys in problem solving analytical method is an upgrade of the traditional 5 whys method. This method requires asking "why" five times in order to thoroughly examine the root cause of the problem. Adding artificial intelligence makes this process faster, more data-driven, and scalable to solve complex issues. Example:
Problem: A machine stopped working.
Why? – The fuse blew
Why? – The motor overheated
Why? – It wasn’t lubricated properly... (and so on)
How to Address Issues Smarter with 5 Whys Analysis Powered by AI?
Selecting an appropriate AI tool is the first step towards fully resolving an issue. We suggest Boardmix, an AI-powered whiteboard application that facilitates hundreds of people's real-time communication and can assist you in deciphering complex problems. A thorough, step-by-step tutorial will next teach you how to develop a 5 Whys analysis.
Step 1: Call a team meeting to go over the agenda
First, assemble a cross-functional team from departments that are directly related to the issue, such as development, operations, customer support, or quality assurance. Work together to determine the precise issue that needs to be resolved. Likewise, you can define this particular problem using Boardmix's AI SMART goal tool.
For instance: "Why did the number of customer support tickets increase by 60% in the past two weeks?"
Clear thinking ensures that the AI engine can analyze the relevant context and generate perceptive "why" layers.
Step2: Login to Boardmix
Log in to Boardmix and go to the workspace. Start a fresh canvas, launch the Boardmix AI assistant in the bottom right corner, describe the issue you wish to resolve, and allow it to ask five "whys." To improve your modification experience, you can opt to search for the layout you want by entering the community template library.
Step3: Enter the description of your question
Provide the system with a succinct and understandable problem statement. Depending on the situation, the AI will determine probable underlying reasons.
📝 For instance: "Why were 20% of the orders shipped late last month?"
The first layer of reasoning could be returned by the system, for instance:
- There has been a delay because of warehouse handling problems.
- There are not enough people on the logistics crew
- Error with software system synchronization
Thus, AI starts building the "chain of causation."
Step 4: Make changes to your 5 Whys analysis
Continue asking "why" if the AI's output is too surface-level; investigate the underlying reasons, either horizontally or vertically, and support each "why" with data or proof. Since you and your team are the ones that know the issue the best, don't forget to take advantage of your roles. By asking the AI questions and keeping up the conversation, you may further develop the AI's five whys in problem-solving and continue to inspire your creative thinking.
Step5: Collaborating to identify a solution
Following the fifth "why" to identify the underlying cause, begin brainstorming potential fixes. To handle these problems cooperatively across departments, use Boardmix's real-time comments, labeling, and version history features.
Step 6: Verify and test the solution
Testing is necessary for even the best ideas. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and put the chosen solution into practice in a test setting. You can utilize other Boardmix AI tools to be even more sure.
🔁 You can create a problem feedback loop by continuing to alter the 5 Why analysis with AI if the issue continues.
Accessible Example of AI 5 Whys in Problem Solving
Let's say you run into an issue. You are aware that it is challenging, but you are unsure of how to begin to solve it. The "5 Whys" lower your threshold for solving difficult problems. You start by asking yourself why this issue happened, and then you keep asking yourself this question in different ways until you identify the problem's underlying cause, which enables you to develop a solution. For instance, if you are an e-commerce team and you want to find out why customers want to return products and prevent such incidents in the future, you might initially list the following table.
However, you and your team will find that this listing method is time-consuming and makes it difficult to identify the root cause of the problem, so you need an AI assistant to directly help you generate a complete and comprehensive visual chart. From asking inquiries to addressing problems, AI 5 Whys consistently asks "why" and evaluates the immediate case for each particular query. The templates it provides are easy to understand and contain the essential information.
The brilliant thing about "5 why analysis with AI" is that it can help you identify the root cause of a problem while also stimulating creativity and brainstorming. So why not try this AI-generated tool if you're having a difficult problem and don't know where to begin?
✨Why use Boardmix to explore the AI 5 whys in problem-solving?
Time-Saving: Boardmix AI assistant directly generates charts, saving the time of building them from scratch.
Collaboration-friendly: Work on your goals with others in real time. Any team member can add comments to help keep the team on the same page, even remotely.
Unlimited canvas with multiple formats supported: Upload image, video, audio, link, SVG, PowerPoint, Word document, PDF and more in these unlimited canvas.
The Bottom Line
Using AI 5 whys in problem solving can not only improve team productivity and decision-making accuracy but also help organizations shift from reactive fixes to proactive strategies. Try incorporating AI into your next problem-solving session and experience how technology effortlessly transforms complexity into clarity.
