Starbursting Template (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)

Starbursting generates questions, not answers. Six points of the star (who, what, when, where, why, how) make sure you look at a plan from every side before committing, and the questions you can’t answer become your to-do list.

IdeaWho?What?When?Where?Why?How?
Blank template. Best for: Anyone stress-testing a plan, product idea or research topic.

How to fill it in

  1. Put the idea or plan in the centre.
  2. Under each of the six branches, write questions only.
  3. Aim for at least three questions per branch.
  4. Mark the ones you can’t answer yet; they’re your research list.

Example: A school book swap

School book swapWho?Who donates?Who runs the stall?What?Which books are accepted?When?Lunchtime or after school?Where?Library or hall?Why?Cut costs or promotereading?How?Tokens or straight swaps?How do we advertise?
Show as text outline
School book swap
- Who?
  - Who donates?
  - Who runs the stall?
- What?
  - Which books are accepted?
- When?
  - Lunchtime or after school?
- Where?
  - Library or hall?
- Why?
  - Cut costs or promote reading?
- How?
  - Tokens or straight swaps?
  - How do we advertise?

More templates

Questions people ask

How do I use this starbursting template?

Click “Use blank template” to open it in the free editor, select any idea and start typing to replace it. Tab adds a new branch, Enter adds a sibling. Your map saves in your browser automatically.

Can I download it as a PDF or image?

Yes. In the editor, open Export and choose PDF (A4), PNG or SVG. Markdown gives you the outline as text.

Can I print a blank copy?

Click “Use blank template”, then Export → PDF straight away. You get an empty A4 worksheet to fill in by hand.