‘How Might We’ sets a starting point that inspires possibilities
‘How Might We’ or ‘HMW’ is one of 30 techniques included in our PLAYBOOK, the free toolkit for creative thinkers.
WHAT IS ‘HOW MIGHT WE…?’
Ideas must start somewhere. Framing is how we define the fundamental challenge to kickstart the creative process. ‘How Might We…’, often abbreviated to HMW, is a simple but powerful way of framing your challenge.
If I had only one hour to save the world, I would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem, and only five minutes finding the solution.
HOW TO USE IT?
It involves phrasing your problem as a question; a simple question which inherently opens the mind towards possibilities. Simply reframe your problem as: “How might we…”
- “HOW” is open and broadens the scope.
- “MIGHT” is an invitation for all ideas, however farfetched.
- “WE” infers collaboration & collective responsibility.
- “…” is to articulate the ambition to achieve. This will usually involve a who (the target users), and the what.
HMW encourages possibilities by framing the challenge as an open question. You can download the worksheet below.
TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
For a more in depth framing tool, why not try out the Briefing Canvas.
It helps you define the Who, What, Why and How.
DOWNLOAD WORKSHEETS
The worksheet is included in our free PLAYBOOK, a collection of 30 of our favourite tools and techniques. Download them all now in the PLAYBOOK.
