How Might We
A reframing technique popularised by IDEO and the Stanford d.school that transforms problem statements and observations into open-ended ideation prompts. Each 'How Might We...' question is specific enough to provide direction but open enough to allow creative responses. HMW questions bridge the gap between problem definition and ideation in Design Thinking.
Comment l'animer
- 1
Gather insights or problem statements from prior research, interviews, or observation.
- 2
For each key insight, write several HMW questions. The formula: 'How might we [verb] [subject] so that [outcome]?'
- 3
Examples: 'Users abandon onboarding at step 3' → HMW: 'How might we make step 3 feel effortless?' / 'How might we show users the value before step 3?'
- 4
Write each HMW question on a separate sticky note.
- 5
Sort and cluster the HMW questions.
- 6
Vote on the most promising questions using dot voting.
- 7
Use the top HMW questions to drive your brainstorming or ideation session.
Conseils
HMW questions can be too broad ('How might we improve the product?') or too narrow ('How might we add a progress bar to step 3?').
The sweet spot is specific enough to focus energy but broad enough to allow surprising answers.
Variantes
Use HMW as a standalone workshop to generate a bank of design challenges. Combine with Crazy 8s for rapid ideation against the top questions.
Contextes d'utilisation
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