Tools for Innovators: “How Might We…?”
Both the corporate and social impact sectors use a methodology called human-centered design to create solutions that meet real human needs. In this methodology, the "how might we" question creates the launch pad for innovation. This question defines what we are trying to solve for, helping scope the problem for which we are designing a solution.
For instance, maybe you want to address social isolation in your community. Start by framing this as a how-might-we question: "How might we reduce social isolation in our community?" While a good place to start, this question is likely too broad to guide you to good solutions. You will want to refine this question to arrive at something well-scoped for developing solutions aligned with the impact you want to have in your context. Your question might become:
How might we create opportunities for community-building among young people in our neighborhood?
or
How might we adapt our local parks to encourage relationship-building among neighbors?
or
How might congregations in our community use their properties for regular social and civic activity?
The design organization IDEO.org offers a simple process on how to move from the issue you want to address to a well-scoped design challenge. Use their Frame Your Design Challenge worksheet to move from naming a broad issue to contemplating potential solutions and constraints to ultimately articulating a how-might-we question that will help you innovate successful solutions.
Additionally, the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford (known as the d.school and a leading institute in the field of human-centered design) has created a really cool resource called Scopey, a generative AI conversation tool to help you scope and refine your design project. It’s free, check it out!
Tools for Innovators is our new series to share techniques that will build your confidence and capacity to innovate.
Photo by Michael Surazhsky on Unsplash