In the world of design and innovation, asking the right questions is often more powerful than providing quick answers. The “How might we?” question has roots in design thinking, a methodology developed by IDEO, a global design firm known for its innovative approach to problem-solving.
Design thinking emerged in the 1960s. Its core idea was to apply human-centered design principles to a wide range of challenges, from product development to organizational strategy. The “How might we?” question became a central part of this approach, serving as a tool to encourage a collaborative and open-ended approach to problem-solving.
“How might we” is a method that helps teams understand design problems by translating them into actionable questions. It ensures a focus on solving the right problem, leaving enough space for the ideas to be innovative but giving enough focus so everyone knows what to do
Used as a tool to reframe problems into opportunities for creative solutions, the phrase itself is meant to be open-ended yet constructive, inviting exploration without assuming a single correct answer. This makes it especially powerful in environments where traditional problem-solving methods have stalled.
How can you use the “How Might We?” question?
For example, rather than asking, “Why isn’t our show selling?” an organization might ask, “How might we create a product that resonates more with our target audience?” The shift in language removes blame or pessimism and replaces it with a sense of agency and exploration.
This question typically follows a simple structure:
- The “How” invites thinking about the mechanisms or processes to address the problem.
- The “Might” introduces the idea that there is no single right answer but multiple ways to explore.
- The “We” encourages collaboration and shared ownership of the problem and solution.
Using “How Might We?” to Reframe Problems
Organizations across industries, including arts and cultural institutions, can use the “How might we?” question to rethink challenges and open the door to creative solutions. Here’s how:
- Organizations can better connect with local communities by asking, “How might we create more inclusive art programs?”
- Organizations can innovate their offerings by questioning, “How might we integrate technology to enhance our exhibitions?”
- Audience Engagement can be improved by asking, “How might we make our performances more interactive and engaging for younger audiences?”
- Operational and logistical challenges can be tackled by asking, “How might we streamline our operations to better support our artists and staff?”
The “How might we?” question is more than just a tool for designers; it’s a framework that any organization can use to challenge assumptions, foster collaboration, and find innovative solutions to complex problems. Encouraging exploration and open-mindedness provides organizations with the space to reframe challenges as opportunities, paving the way for breakthroughs that might not have been possible through traditional problem-solving methods.
