Introduction
In the chaos of modern software delivery, where agile ceremonies, cloud services, and shifting priorities compete for attention, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: clarity, structure, and shared understanding. The 6Ws methodology is born from a simple premise, that software planning is not just a technical exercise, but a human one. That effective systems are not just built; they’re designed to matter.
This book offers a framework that helps teams align on six deceptively simple questions:
Who – are we building this for?
What – needs to happen?
Why – is this valuable?
How – will it work?
Where – will it run?
When – will it be delivered?
Each “W” is a lens, not a checklist. When used in harmony, they allow product owners, engineers, designers, and stakeholders to engage in productive, informed, and purpose-driven decision making.
Who This Is For
This methodology is written for cross-functional teams, those building SaaS products, automating infrastructure, designing APIs, or modernising legacy systems. Whether you're a solo developer, a CTO, or part of a multidisciplinary delivery squad, the 6Ws help you zoom out before you zoom in.
What Makes This Different
This isn’t a new software development methodology. It’s a thinking scaffold, one that helps you ask better questions, reduce friction, and design systems that are as pragmatic as they are purposeful.
You won’t find buzzwords, abstract theory, or frameworks invented for the sake of invention. Instead, you’ll find grounded advice, reusable templates, and the voice of experience: the kind of guidance that lives at the intersection of design, delivery, and value.
The Promise
By the end of this book, you’ll have a reusable process for:
Quickly mapping and understanding the scope of a system
Aligning technical effort with real user and business value
Making smarter infrastructure and design choices
Planning delivery with confidence and transparency
Because in a world of sprints, backlogs, and deployments, the best software still starts with asking the right questions.
Welcome to the 6Ws.
Rhys Morgan
Enterprise Automation Services specializes in AI, automation, SaaS development, and digital transformation. We help businesses across the UK leverage technology to drive growth and efficiency.
