How Might We... Ideation

Purpose

Understand howPrompt participants organizeto informationgenerate a large number of ideas 

This method is useful when time is short for each participant and you haverequires some understandingresearch ofto existingbe challengescompleted orin problemadvance space.in order to frame the questions effectively.

Qualities

• Mode of Inquiry: Convergent (Sensemaking)Divergent
• Common Usage: ChallengeSolution Seeking
• Depth of Understanding Gained: Shallow
• Participant Engagement: Synchronous  
• Researcher Engagement: 1:1many
• Setting: In-person or Virtual

Duration 

5+10 minutes depending on number of cards

Tool requirements

Cards,

camera,
• In voiceperson: recorder
  sticky notes and markers for each participant
• Virtual:  Digital whiteboard (Mural)

Facilitators

1

Participants

15-30

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Instructions

Prep

1. IdentifyCraft whatHow youMight wantWe... questions that respond to understandthe fromchallenges 
2. Print the method.
3. Identify which elements to present to participantsquestions on cards.
4. Create the cards.banners
   

Execute

1. GiveThere are multiple ways to facilitate participants through generating ideas. Common practices include:
   • Break the participantgroup into three (assuming there are three questions) and give them three minutes with each question, rotating and repeating the setprocess ofuntil cards.every group responds to all questions.
   • ExplainDisplay whateach you are looking for themquestion to do.the entire group and have each individual write their ideas on paper or sticky notes.
   • RequestConduct thata round robin by passing worksheets with the participantquestions thinkon aloudthem.
   during
   the session to understand the thought process behind their categorizations. If the participant struggles with thinking aloud, prompt them regularly.

Document

1. Take photos of theall completedideas card sort.
2. Take notes and/or recordcollect audioall of the participant working through their sort process.worksheets.

External Resources

How toMight ConductWe An Effective Card Sort:Statements: A ComprehensivePowerful GuideWay to Turn Insights into Opportunities

CardHow Sorting:Might TheWe Ultimateon GuideDesign Kit