Creating “How Might We” Statements

Where We Are in the Design Thinking Process

What are “How Might We” Statements?

Definitions – Optimistic, human-centered, generative statements

that are used to brainstorm Tools we use to generate possible solutions to our

user’s need

Criteria – Not too broad (ex. How might we save the world?) Not too narrow (ex. How might we wake up using an

alarm clock?) HMW’s should take you in many different directions

What are “How Might We” Statements?

As Metaphor HMW’s are like coral reefs because they start as

small nuggets and expand to large things Rabbits Rumors Fireworks Dandelions Powerball Acorns

What are “How Might We” Statements?

HMW Statements in Practice POV: “Studious socially awkward student needs

structured opportunities to socialize because he is often made fun of and wants to make friends”

HMW Statements: How might we diversify afterschool programs to

attract more students? How might we ensure that afterschool programs focus

on social interaction? How might we better connect socially awkward

students to other kids?

Critical Attributes to Creating Good HMW Statements?

Where did you struggle in creating a HMW? Basing the statement on my feelings/perspective Generalizing for a group and not the person, loses focus A weak POV can lead to a weak HMW Feature creep

What did you or your partner do or say that made it easier to create a HMW? Breaking the POV into pieces and focusing on one section at a time Trying for a simple HMW Hearing multiple HMWs that cover a lot of bases gave me different

possibilities that I could use as models