How Might We Questions

Step 1

Start by looking at the insight /problem statements that you’ve created. Try rephrasing them as questions by adding “How might we” at the beginning.

Examples:

Translate your problem statement into a “How might we…” (HMW) question (i.e.: instead of “Our teams are too insular.” write: “How might we better connect our teams with one another?”).

Do this several times and come up with different HMWs! (“HMW encourage teams to talk with one another?” “HMW get teams in our global organization sharing resources?” Etc.).

Step 2

The goal is to find opportunities for design, so if your insights suggest several How Might We questions that’s great.

Step 3

Now take a look at your How Might We question and ask yourself if it allows for a variety of solutions. If it doesn’t, broaden it. Your How Might We should generate a number of possible answers and will become a launchpad for your Brainstorms.

Step 4

Finally, make sure that your How Might We’s aren’t too broad. It’s a tricky process but a good How Might We should give you both a narrow enough frame to let you know where to start your Brainstorm, but also enough breadth to give you room to explore wild ideas.

Video: How Might We Questions by IDEO