PDF: How To and Examples
Process of creating “How Might We’s”
- Start by looking at your discovered pain points, problems, and insights you discovered throughout all of your research (user and product research, competitive research, interviews, survey, user journey mapping)
- Write out these main problem area findings and how they relate to your user personas’ needs.
- If it helps, you can use this framework: User [fill in user] needs to [fill in need] because [fill in insight].
- Now rephrase these problem statements as questions by adding “How might we” at the beginning. Use positive phrasing instead of a negative approach.
- If it helps, you can use this framework: How might we (intended experience) for (primary user) so that (desired effect)?
- Group the HMWs into themes/categories. Find common patterns among them. These clusters could be addressing features, usability, users, interface, navigation, emotion, and so on.
Tips
- HMW statements are based on defined insights and pain points you’ve gathered in your research phase.
- We always solve problems for people. Therefore always have the specific users and their needs in focus. Do not focus on organizational or technology constraints, or monetary returns at this point.
- Good HMWs aim to inspire and energize. They reveal needs that should be met. They take a positive approach, turning a problem into an opportunity.
- HMWs suggest that solutions are possible and offer you the chance to answer them in a variety of ways later.
- They should be broad enough for a wide range of solutions, but narrow enough that actual solutions can be executed and tested.
- They will become a launchpad for your goal development.
How to Turn In:
- Clustered groups of “How Might We” questions.
- Format is up to you: Can turn in a clear photograph of your hands-on process, or a Google Doc, or link to Figma, Figjam or Invision Freehand board, or designed in Illustrator or Google Slides? Whatever makes the most sense for your team!