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
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