The 5Ws and 1H are questions frequently used for information-gathering. Journalists (cf. news style), researchers, and police investigators use them as a formula for getting a complete story on a subject. A report is only complete if it answers all six questions covered by the 5Ws and 1H.
Who is it about?
What happened?
When did it take place?
Where did it take place?
Why did it happen?
How did it happen
I use the 5Ws and 1H in a lot of different scenarios.