Design thinking resource

Problem Statements (How Might We)

A collaborative framing tool for turning research insights into actionable design opportunities.

Turn insights into opportunities

Problem statements, often written as "How Might We" (HMW) questions, help teams reframe challenges as opportunities for action. Rather than focusing on what is wrong, a How Might We question creates a constructive starting point for generating ideas and exploring possibilities.

A well-crafted question is specific enough to focus attention but open enough to encourage creativity. It provides a bridge between understanding people's needs and identifying potential solutions.

Build on evidence, not assumptions

Strong problem statements emerge from research findings rather than personal opinions. After conducting interviews, observations or other forms of user research, teams often identify recurring frustrations, unmet needs, aspirations or barriers.

A How Might We question should reflect these insights and capture a meaningful challenge experienced by users. By grounding the question in evidence, teams can maintain a human-centred focus and avoid designing solutions to problems that may not actually exist.

Create a shared direction for innovation

Problem statements help align teams around a common challenge. They establish a clear focus for ideation sessions, workshops and innovation activities while encouraging diverse perspectives on how the challenge might be addressed.

Because they invite exploration rather than prescribe answers, How Might We questions create space for experimentation, creativity and collaboration. The goal is not to define the solution but to define the opportunity worth pursuing.

Put the method to work

Develop a meaningful How Might We question

Define the insight

Review research findings and identify a significant user need, challenge, motivation or tension that emerged from the data.

Identify the opportunity

Consider what positive outcome could improve the user's experience and create meaningful value.

Frame the question

Write the insight as a How Might We statement. Keep it focused, human-centred and open-ended.

Refine and test

Review the question with others. Ensure it is neither too broad nor too narrow and invites multiple possible responses.

Why it matters

What problem statements make possible

Shared focus

Provide teams with a common understanding of the challenge that needs to be addressed.

Human-centred innovation

Keep attention on user needs, motivations and experiences throughout the design process.

Creative exploration

Encourage diverse thinking by framing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Stronger solutions

Increase the likelihood of developing ideas that are relevant, meaningful and supported by evidence.

Continue exploring

Return to Engage with Empathy.

Place this method back within the broader 5E Design Thinking Framework and continue developing your understanding.

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