“How Might We” (HMW) statements turn challenges into opportunities by framing problems as open-ended questions.
They help teams shift from problem-dwelling to possibility-thinking, creating space for creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
They prompt teams to ask:
- What’s the opportunity hidden in this problem?
- How might we approach this in a new or inclusive way?
- What solutions might exist if we don’t jump to conclusions?
By reframing issues into “How might we…” questions, teams stay open, curious, and solution- oriented.
Best Practices
Start with real needs. HMWs should be grounded in actual insights from research, experience, or lived perspectives.
Keep it broad enough. Avoid narrowing the question too soon and leave room for different types of solutions.
But not too vague. Make sure the question still focuses your problem at hand. Not all ideas belong.
Write multiple versions. Try framing a few HMWs from different angles before choosing one to move forward.
Use plain language. Make them easy to understand and easy to build ideas around.
Basic Steps
1. Identify a key insight or need. Start with what you’ve learned from research, feedback, or experience.
2. Reframe it into a challenge. Describe the issue in a way that invites possibility rather than assigning blame or prescribing answers.
3. Write “How Might We…” Turn the challenge into a HMW question. Keep it focused, but flexible enough for multiple ideas. (For example: How might we ensure out event leaves a positive, meaningful impression?)
4. Test and revise. Share it with your team. Ask: Does this inspire ideas? Is it too broad or too narrow?
5. Use it to brainstorm. Let you HMW guide idea generation, prioritization, or prototyping.
Benefits
- Encourages creative, inclusive problem-solving
- Keeps teams focused on real user needs
- Helps avoid jumping to conclusions or premature solutions
- Bridges insights and ideas in a clear, actionable way
- Promotes curiosity and possibility over judgment
Our Recommended Resources
HMW statements help teams stay in a creative mindset while staying grounded in real-world insights. They invite collaboration, exploration, and empathy — especially when dealing with complex or sensitive challenges. Instead of asking “What’s the solution?” too soon, this tool helps teams first ask the right question.