View source for W6H framework for design specifications

The '''W6H Framework for design specifications''' is a [[Models and frameworks|model]] for [[Design specifications|writing design specifications]]. This model helps designers document the [[Project scope|scope elements]] and [[Design feature|design features]] of an [[educational product]] or [[Learning experience|experience]]. By asking 6 "W" questions and one "H" question, the design team can clearly document all of the essential [[Analysis (Phase of Design)|planning]] and [[design]] elements within the design specifications documentation for the project. 

== Definition==
The '''W6H Framework''' is a set of simple questions for defining and [[Design specifications|documenting]] both the [[project scope]] and [[Design feature|design features]] of an [[educational product]] or [[Learning experience|experience]]. The responses to these questions are used to define and write the [[design specifications]] for a product.

==Additional Information==
[[File:Determining structural consideratons (1).png|alt=A graphic depiction of the 6 "W"s and 1 "H" of design specifications.|thumb|500x500px|[tap image to enlarge]. '''Key elements of design specifications.''' A diagram highlighting the elements of the '''W6H framework''' in relation to the [[Goals of design|goals]], [[Audience considerations of design|audience]], and [[Structural considerations of design|structural]] aspects of the [[project scope]], as well as the [[Design feature|design features]] that are subsequently defined. Each section in this diagram outlines one of the 6 "W"s, as well as the "H" of ''how'' the product will teach people things. Using the W6H framework to identify and [[Design specifications|document]] the [[Project scope|scope]] and [[Design feature|design]] of the project will provide a solid foundation for written [[design specifications]].  ]]
For each of the questions in the W6H framework, designers analyze, plan, and make decisions about the core elements related to a product's [[Project scope|scope]] and [[Design feature|design features]]. It is important to define these elements, as it can be 

The W6H framework is particularly useful for defining and documenting the [[design specifications]] for a product. 
The framework is named W6H because it uses 6 simple questions that start with W (who, what, when, where, why, with what effect) and 1 question that starts with H (how) 😊 

===== '''The questions of the W6H framework''' =====
The seven seven questions of W6H are associated with one or more element of a product's scope or design features: 

* '''Who?''' (the [[Audience considerations of design|audience considerations]] of design)
* '''What?''' (the [[Learning objectives and outcomes|learning objectives]])
* '''When and For How Long?''' (the [[Duration of learning experience (scope)|duration]] and [[Timing of Learning Experience (Scope)|timing]] of activities)
* '''Where?''' (the [[Setting of the learning experience|location setting]] of activities)
* '''How?''' (defining the [[Interactions and activities|educational activities]], [[Media and multimedia|media]], [[Educational technology|technology]], and [[Interface|interfaces]] that people [[Participation|participate]] with, as well as the look, feel, and layout)
* '''Why?''' (defining the process of learning from the [[Interactions and activities|activities]], [[Media and multimedia|media]], [[Educational technology|technology]], and [[Interface|interfaces]], and ''why'' learning is expected to occur from them)
* '''With What Effect?''' ([[evaluation and assessment]])

Note that the ''How?'' and ''Why?'' questions are both associated with the ''[[Design feature|design features]]'' of a product, while the others are associated with the [[Project scope|''project scope'']]. 

The questions of W6H are simple, but they can be very deep when trying to adequately answer them! Click on the links next to each question for more information on how to respond to the question for the purposes of writing a [[Design specifications|design proposal or design specifications]].

==Tips and Tricks==

* To begin writing [[design specifications]] for a project, simply begin to answer for yourself the main W and H questions listed above! Much of the [[Analysis (Phase of Design)|planning of a project]] and even [[Design feature|parts of the design]] can be performed by asking these simple, but deep questions.
* Before you begin the design and development of a product, you may need to develop a '''proposal''' to analyze needs, communicate your ideas, and make some initial design decisions. Using the '''W6H framework''' is an excellent way to develop a proposal and think through the most important parts of an educational design.

==Related Concepts ==

* [[Design specifications]]
* [[Project scope]]
* [[Design feature]]
* [[Audience considerations of design]]
* [[Structural considerations of design]]
* [[Constraints]]
* [[Learning objectives and outcomes]]

==Examples ==

None yet - check back soon!

==External Resources==

None yet - check back soon!