Playbook for universal design

Universal design methods for more inclusive solutions

How might we Add/remove

Purpose:

The purpose of the method is to reformat the overall  problem into suggested solutions by asking “How might we”. 

The method will open up the solution space and help you to highlight which aspects of the problem are important to take into account for your development process. 

Step by step Facilitating tips Materials needed Goes well with Download template (pdf)

Tips to include participants who are not able to:

See

If the participants can not see the method could be performed orally with the documenter or multiple taking notes.

Move

If the participant can not control their movements a documenter or multiple could lead the pen for the participant.

Hold

If the participant can not hold on to a pen the method could be read out loud or a documenter could note down what is being said.

Think

If the participant can not write it could be said out loud.

Speak

If the participant can not speak sign language or other symbol language could be used.

Hear

A translator can be used for presentation, or a written explanation can be read by a fellow participant. If a translator is not present make sure all ideas have a written explanation.

Focus

Depending on the ability being limited according to not being able to focus because of distractions or because of time crunch - either reduce time spent or increase the time spent for brainstorming.

Belong

If a participant feels excluded from the group pair up the participants to have them brainstorm in pairs instead of individually.

Overview

Input

A problem

Output

Ideas for how to encounter the overall problem.

Complexity

Moderate

Time

15 min+

Participants

2-10+

Activity

  • Can write 
  • Can reflect upon the problem 
  • Can communicate the questions formed

Step by step:

  1. Hand out post-its and pens to all participants (1 min).

  2. Explain the method by showing the template and go through a problem that does not resemble the overall problem of the workshop (2 min).

  3. Ask the participants to familiarize themselves with the overall problem and brainstorm individually on sentences starting with “How might we….” that can solve the problem – write it on a post-it (3 min).

  4. Ask the participants to hang the post-its on the template (1 min).

  5. Ask the participants to complete a second round of individual brainstorming (3 min).

  6. Participants should hang the post-its on the template again (1 min).

  7. Step 6 & 7 are repeated until you can tell the participants are out of ideas for HMW sentences. Each brainstorm round should be 3 minutes.

  8. Present the HMW sentences(1-2 min per. participant).

When doing this method you should consider:

It is important that the facilitator observes how the ‘How might we’ questions are stated as they can easily be too general. An example of a poor HMW question could be: 

How might we tell users which form to complete to file their taxes?

This question does not emphasize the root cause why it is poor. It is much stronger saying: 

How might we make users feel confident they are filing their taxes correctly?

Materials needed:

  • Pens
  • Post-its
  • Space 
  • Template