What is a How Might We Statement?
What:
A How Might We (HMW) statement is a concise and open-ended question that is used to frame a design or problem-solving challenge. It is a tool commonly used in design thinking and innovation processes to spark creative thinking and generate innovative solutions.
Why:
How Might We statements are essential because they reframe problems as opportunities for creative problem-solving. By posing a question instead of making assumptions, HMW statements encourage a mindset of curiosity and exploration, allowing for a wide range of possible solutions to be generated. They inspire fresh perspectives, collaborative thinking, and the exploration of new ideas.
How:
To create a How Might We statement, follow these steps:
- Identify the Problem or Opportunity: Clearly define the challenge or problem that you want to address.
- Reframe as a Question: Restructure the problem as an open-ended question starting with "How might we..." This format encourages innovative thinking and avoids limiting the potential solutions.
- Focus on User Needs: Ensure that the HMW statement centers around the needs, desires, or pain points of the users or stakeholders involved.
- Inspire Creativity: Make the statement broad enough to encourage diverse perspectives and imaginative solutions while maintaining relevance to the problem at hand.
- Communicate Clearly: Craft the HMW statement in a concise and understandable manner that conveys the essence of the challenge to others.
Best Practices:
A best practice when formulating HMW statements is to keep them human-centered, emphasizing the end-users' experiences and needs.
Additionally, it is valuable to involve a diverse group of stakeholders in creating the statements to capture different viewpoints and foster a collaborative approach.
Regularly revisiting and refining the HMW statements throughout the design process ensures their relevance and effectiveness.
Notes:
In Acclaim Ideas, How Might We statements can be considered 'Challenge Questions.'