How might we statement

OUTCOMES

A concise statement of intent that outlines the scope of your work, who your main users might be and broadly what strategy you may employ.

USING THE TOOL

In this approach the ‘How Might We... ‘ (HMW) question format is used to help give some structure and scope to a strategy for your project.

The ‘How might we...’ question is framed in an open, optimistic and collaborative manner that encourages you to think of solutions. A properly framed ‘How might we…’ question, doesn’t suggest a specific solution, it should keep a broad frame that invites innovative thinking. To set the right frame, it should not be so big it loses sight of your insights, for instance, ‘How might we redesign the toilet experience in India?’ (this would be too broad), but not so narrow that a solution is embedded in the question, for instance, ‘How might we redesign the lighting and signage in toilets so they seem safer?’. This may be an adequate strategy, but it doesn’t allow for much variety of ideas, which is what is needed at this stage.

In this tool, the ‘How might we…’ (HMW...) framing is adjusted slightly to include a little more specific information about the scope, issue and the user.

good sequence

Theory of Change > HMW Statement > Alternative Worlds

Other Names

Opportunity Statement, Problem Statement

Tips

• Ideally work with your clients or project partners to assess the potential framings and decide on a scope

• If needed, it can be helpful to use an Evaluation Matrix to assess critical success factors for the project in relation to the proposed ‘How might we…’ statements

• It can sometimes be beneficial to jump from here to ideation techniques or the  Alternative Worlds ideation tool, to see what kinds of opportunities there might be within a particular strategy before you commit to it with your partners. Don't be afraid to jump ahead before coming back