I created a system that is intended to be a basic guideline for digital creatives with clients attempting to realize a business goal. Equally important, this process helps determine whether the goal (and/or method of reaching said goal) is appropriate. Although intended for digital products, the process was developed to work as a guideline for any business goal. 

Stakeholder participation is necessary in order for this model to work correctly. The hope is that they can see for themselves whether their own ideas, are what they want rather than what they need. In other words "how do their ideas/opinions affect the desired outcome?". Engaging stakeholders is the easy part. Getting them to see a negative in their own ideas...isn't always a smooth process. Nobody likes to be told "no", or that "they are wrong". Encouraging clients to think about the why of an idea is a less offensive path than a flat out rebuke. The "What, Why, How" method potentially eliminates that awkward moment, and allows for the client to see the pros and cons in their current way(s) of thinking in relation to business needs. 

 

The following is an explaination of the diagram...