How Might We and POV Statements. 

In the realm of user-centered design, effective problem-solving begins with understanding the user’s needs and insights. This process is encapsulated in what are known as POV (Problem Statement) statements. Recently, I explored this concept through resources from NNG and IXDF, where I discovered that a POV statement typically comprises “user + need (verb) + insight.” This structured approach helps define the core challenge to address during the define phase of a project, which includes thorough research, empathy mapping, and developing user personas.

Following the define phase, the next step involves crafting “How might we” (HMW) statements. These statements are pivotal as they transform identified problems into actionable questions. By framing problems this way, we open the door to generating a wide array of potential solutions. HMW statements are crafted using verbs or user-centric goals, ensuring they are specific enough to guide effective ideation and prototyping without being overly broad.

For instance, in my recent project on the Pan Creations website, I utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This involved breaking down prompts from Professor Rule into distinct sections to capture user values, motivations, and insights separately. This data-driven approach facilitated the creation of POV statements, which in turn informed the development of targeted HMW statements. It was clear that converting a problem statement into a question helped focus our efforts on finding innovative solutions that directly addressed user needs.