There are many times in Design Thinking where we find ourselves with the insights from our research. To make those insights into a challenge to design against, we convert them into How Might We statements.
Design Phase: Interpret
Facilitator: 1
Activity Group: 4-8
Time: 30 Min
Materials: Sticky notes and markers, Whiteboard Virtual Whiteboard
Before the Activity
Gather the insights you’re looking to explore further. Post them up on the board with plenty of space below and between them. Under each insight, write the starter, “How might we…” Keep in mind that it usually takes about 30 minutes to complete this exercise for 5 insights, so adjust the time required if necessary.
During the Activity
As a group, focus on one insight at a time. For each insight, discuss how to convert the statement into a question that can follow the starter “How might we…” That sounds easier said than done. Here are some tips to help you write a great How Might We Statement:
- Focus on the outcome you want, not the final solution
- Get that “Goldilocks Zone”. Not too broad that the challenge is overwhelming and unfocused, and not too specific that it’s giving a pre-determined outcome.
- Focus on what the experience will be for the users, not just on what is “realistic”.
Some sample How Might We Statements are:
- How might we foster a mentality of lifelong learning in our students?
- How might we more effectively connect researchers across disciplines?
- How might we equip students to handle complex, interdisciplinary challenges?
After you craft your statements, give each participant sticky notes and a marker (or virtual stickies). Take 10 minutes and have everyone write their ideas as to how to solve for the How Might We Statements.
After the Activity
With statements and ideas created, you and the group may either vote immediately on which ideas you want to move forward with or gather the ideas to send out to the group for consideration.