How Might We Statements - Innovation Champions

Summary

This video explains how 'How Might We' (HMW) statements can be used to create human-centered design solutions. HMW statements help identify the action, the primary user, and the desired outcome, providing a clear focus for problem-solving. The format encourages creative, flexible solutions while avoiding overly narrow or broad approaches. For example, an HMW statement like 'How might we redesign the ice cream buying experience for kids so that it is more portable and less messy?' guides the design of practical solutions. The process may require multiple iterations to refine the statement and find the right approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 'How might we' statements help frame design challenges with a human-centered focus.
• 😀 A good 'How might we' statement addresses the intended action, the primary user, and the desired outcome.
• 😀 The typical format for a 'How might we' statement is: 'How might we [action] for [user] so that [desired outcome]'.
• 😀 A strong 'How might we' statement should guide design without being overly prescriptive or too broad.
• 😀 An example 'How might we' statement: 'How might we redesign the ice cream buying experience for kids so that it is more portable and less messy?'
• 😀 Ensure your 'How might we' statements are neither too narrow nor too broad; they should have a clear focus.
• 😀 Statements that are too narrow (e.g., 'How might we design a cone to eat ice cream without dripping?') limit possible solutions.
• 😀 Statements that are too broad (e.g., 'How might we reimagine dessert?') lack a clear focus and direction.
• 😀 Iterating on your 'How might we' statements is encouraged to ensure the problem is framed correctly for the design process.
• 😀 The goal of a 'How might we' statement is to open up a range of solutions while still targeting the right problem for the user.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a How Might We (HMW) statement in design?

A HMW statement helps frame design challenges in a way that focuses on the intended action, the primary user, and the desired outcome, ensuring solutions are human-centered.

What is the recommended format for a How Might We statement?

The recommended format is: 'How might we [intended action] for [primary user] so that [desired outcome]'.

Why should a HMW statement not be too narrow?

A narrow HMW statement can limit potential solutions, making the design process too prescriptive and stifling creativity.

What makes a good HMW statement?

A good HMW statement is clear, focused, and broad enough to allow for a variety of possible solutions, while ensuring that the user's needs are addressed.

Why should a HMW statement not be too broad?

A broad HMW statement lacks focus and may not direct the design process towards achieving a clear, desired outcome for the user.

What is the significance of iterating on HMW statements?

Iteration allows designers to refine their HMW statements, ensuring they address the right problem and lead to meaningful solutions.

Can you provide an example of a well-constructed HMW statement?

An example would be: 'How might we redesign the ice cream buying experience for kids so that it is more portable and less messy?'

What is a bad example of a HMW statement?

A bad example would be: 'How might we design a cone to eat ice cream without dripping?' because it's too prescriptive and limits potential solutions.

What should a good HMW statement include?

A good HMW statement should include an intended action, the primary user, and the desired outcome, with enough flexibility for diverse solutions.

What happens if a HMW statement is too prescriptive?

If the statement is too prescriptive, it can restrict creativity and innovation, limiting the range of possible solutions to the problem.