How Might We __?

How might we __? (HMW) is a technique for brainstorming new opportunities. It is often used for looking at insights gathered from research and framing them into opportunities or alternatives. When teams are feeling stuck, HMW can be used to reframe the current problem and move the team forward.

Detailed steps

1. Define the area you want to explore, whether it is a current problem statement, a insight you’ve gathered from research or anything else.
2. Reframe the problem or insight to a “how might we … “ format. Feel free to do more than one! This can also be done using brainstorming with the group. It is a good idea to spend plenty of time getting the right HMWs first before you start generating ideas.
3. Use brainstorming techniques to come up with as many solutions as possible to your “How Might We?” question.
4. With the team prioritize the best ideas, build on them and work them into next steps.