Definition
'How might we' problem statements are a tool used in design thinking to frame a problem as an opportunity for innovation. They typically begin with the phrase "How might we..." followed by a concise and specific problem statement. The "How might we" framing encourages creative thinking and opens up the possibility of finding new and innovative solutions to the problem. The 'How might we' problem statement approach is particularly useful for complex or ambiguous problems, where the problem itself may not be well defined or understood. By framing the problem as an opportunity for innovation, 'How might we' problem statements can inspire teams to think outside the box and consider new approaches to solving the problem.
A Structured Process
The first step is to define the problem that you want to solve. This involves understanding the current situation, the stakeholders involved, and the challenges that need to be overcome.
Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can begin to reframe it as an opportunity for innovation. The "How might we" framing encourages teams to think creatively and opens up the possibility of finding new and innovative solutions.
With the problem reframed as an opportunity, the next step is to generate ideas for how it might be solved. This involves brainstorming, ideation sessions, and other methods for generating a wide range of potential solutions.
Once you have a set of potential solutions, you can begin to evaluate and refine them based on their feasibility, desirability, and viability. This involves testing the solutions in the real world, getting feedback from stakeholders, and making adjustments based on what you learn.
Finally, you can begin to implement the solution and iterate based on feedback and evaluation. This involves testing the solution in the real world, getting feedback from stakeholders, and making adjustments based on what you learn.
A Powerful Tool
'How might we' problem statements are a powerful tool for promoting innovation and creativity in problem-solving. They can help to reframe complex problems as opportunities and inspire teams to think outside the box and consider new approaches to solving the problem. By following a structured process for developing 'How might we' problem statements, teams can generate a wide range of potential solutions, evaluate and refine them, and ultimately implement a solution that meets the needs of stakeholders and addresses the challenges at hand.
A Concise Description
A problem statement is a clear and concise description of an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It outlines the gap between the current situation and the desired outcome and provides a framework for understanding the problem and identifying potential solutions. A well-defined problem statement should be specific (not too broad), measurable (how will you test it), and actionable (manageable - can you actually do it). It should also clearly define the scope and impact of the problem.
Problem statements are used in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, science, and social sciences, and are a critical first step in the problem-solving process. They help to focus efforts and resources on the most important issues and provide a basis for decision-making and problem-solving.
- A description of the current situation: This should outline the current state of the problem, including the context and any relevant background information.
- The desired outcome: This should describe the end state that you want to achieve and should be specific and measurable.
- The gap between the current situation and the desired outcome: This should highlight the key challenges or issues that need to be addressed and should provide a clear understanding of the scope and impact of the problem.
- The stakeholders involved: This should identify the people or groups who are affected by the problem, and should help to understand their needs, interests, and perspectives.
- The potential solutions: While not always necessary in a problem statement, it can be helpful to include some initial ideas for potential solutions, which can help to guide the problem-solving process.
Overall, a good problem statement should be clear, concise, and well-defined, and should provide a strong foundation for understanding the problem and identifying potential solutions.