How Might We
Updated 2026-08-10
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
How Might We (HMW) is a reframing technique from design thinking that converts a problem statement into a question beginning with those three words. Each word carries a function: How asserts that solutions exist, Might signals that any particular answer is optional and lowers the cost of proposing one, and We frames the work as collaborative rather than assigning blame. A well-formed HMW is broad enough to admit many solutions and specific enough to indicate direction, and it stays centered on user needs. The format moves a group from analyzing a problem to generating possibilities without skipping the analysis that produced the statement.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Use problem reframing: restate the problem as a question that assumes a solution exists. - Use scope calibration: widen or narrow the question until it admits many answers but still gives direction. - Use blame removal: phrase the question about the situation rather than about who failed.
Anchor fast decisions
Problem statements constrain thinking because they describe a deficiency, which invites defensive reasoning and narrow fixes. Reframing as a question with Might embedded removes the commitment to any particular answer, which lowers the perceived risk of a bad idea and increases the number of ideas offered. How prevents the question from becoming a complaint, and We distributes ownership. Because the question sets the search space, its scope determines the range of solutions found, which is why calibrating breadth is the critical step.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
account_treeGenealogyexpand_more
menu_bookReferencesexpand_more
Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Min_Basadurverified
PRIVATE NOTES · Only visible to you
SAVED Q&A
ENTRY Q&A · Private saving available
Ask with a clear boundary
thinkingmodels answers from published entry context only.
Your question is sent to thinkingmodels. The answer uses public entry context only.
RELATED MODELS