DESIGN SPRINT - HOW MIGHT WE | Aj&Smart

Summary

In this video, Brittany explains the 'How Might We' exercise, a key technique in design thinking and design sprints. The exercise helps transform challenges into opportunity-based questions, making note-taking more standardized and focused. Through a practical example of a boss discussing issues in a co-working space, Brittany demonstrates how reframing ideas with 'How Might We' questions can spark creative solutions. The video emphasizes the importance of active listening and note-taking in group settings, offering an easy-to-follow guide for using this exercise effectively. Viewers are encouraged to explore more about design sprints and related exercises.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'How Might We' exercise is used in design thinking and design sprints to standardize note-taking in group settings.
• 😀 It helps overcome the challenge of messy and inconsistent note-taking styles in meetings.
• 😀 The exercise encourages active listening and reframing challenges into opportunities.
• 😀 The 'How Might We' exercise was likely invented by Procter & Gamble in the 1970s (according to a claim made in the video).
• 😀 Participants need rectangular post-its and Sharpie pens to conduct the exercise effectively.
• 😀 The exercise involves writing 'H' and 'W' on the top left of each post-it to frame the notes.
• 😀 Instead of focusing on problems, the exercise encourages participants to think about potential opportunities for solutions.
• 😀 A practical example of the exercise is transforming a boss’s meeting ideas into 'How Might We' sentences.
• 😀 The goal of the exercise is to focus on root challenges and identify potential solutions, like increasing revenue or improving services.
• 😀 The 'How Might We' approach helps break down complex ideas into actionable opportunities for improvement.
• 😀 The video emphasizes that 'How Might We' is a great tool for transforming large volumes of information into focused, opportunity-oriented notes.

Q & A

What is the 'How Might We' exercise?

The 'How Might We' exercise is a method used in design thinking and design sprints to reframe challenges into opportunities. It is also a great way to standardize note-taking in group settings and improve active listening skills.

Why is the 'How Might We' exercise useful in a group setting?

The exercise helps standardize note-taking by allowing everyone to capture the information in the same structured way, even if they have different note-taking styles. This ensures clarity and focus during discussions.

Who invented the 'How Might We' exercise?

It is believed that the 'How Might We' exercise was invented by Procter & Gamble in the 1970s, although the exact origins are uncertain.

What materials are needed for the 'How Might We' exercise?

You need rectangular post-its and a Sharpie pen to perform the 'How Might We' exercise.

How does the 'How Might We' exercise help with listening skills?

It helps improve active listening by requiring participants to focus on what is being said and transform it into actionable questions, reframing the challenges into opportunities.

Can you give an example of a 'How Might We' question from the script?

One example from the script is: 'How might we increase the number of people using our co-working space on weekends?' This question reframes the challenge of low weekend attendance into an opportunity for growth.

What is the purpose of writing 'H' and 'W' on the post-its?

Writing 'H' and 'W' on the top-left corner of the post-its helps to visually frame the notes as 'How Might We' questions, setting the stage for transforming information into opportunity-focused statements.

What kind of problems can the 'How Might We' exercise address?

The 'How Might We' exercise can address a wide range of problems, from operational challenges to customer experience improvements. In the script, examples include increasing weekend attendance and improving the quality of drinks at a co-working space.

How does the 'How Might We' exercise change the approach to problem-solving?

It shifts the focus from merely identifying problems to actively seeking opportunities for improvement. This encourages creative, solution-oriented thinking within the team.

How does the 'How Might We' exercise relate to the Design Sprint methodology?

The 'How Might We' exercise is often used in Design Sprints, a time-constrained, structured approach to problem-solving. It aligns with the goal of generating actionable ideas quickly, helping teams focus on opportunities to improve products or services.