How Might We (HMW) Question Generation
The How Might We method reframes challenges into actionable questions to spark innovative ideas. By exploring different perspectives and possibilities, it encourages participants to think creatively and generate a wide range of potential solutions.
Use this method when you need to reframe a problem statement to stimulate creative problem-solving and ideation, especially when the initial problem feels too broad or limiting.
Solves: Lack of creative ideas, Sticking to conventional solutions, Problem feels too big and overwhelming
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Step 1: Introduce the challenge or problem statement to the group. (2 minutes)
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Step 2: Individually, participants brainstorm different perspectives on the challenge. (5 minutes)
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Step 3: Using the provided strategies (e.g., amp up the good, explore the opposite, take it to an extreme), each participant transforms their perspectives into 'How Might We' questions. (10 minutes)
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Step 4: Share the generated HMW questions with the group and discuss their potential to spark new ideas. (8-13 minutes)
- Encourage participants to think broadly and creatively when generating HMW questions.
- Ensure that the HMW questions are insightful and nuanced, rather than generic or superficial.
- Use different prompts or sentence starters to guide the generation of HMW questions.
- Combine this method with other ideation techniques, such as brainstorming or mind mapping.