Participants:

2-10

11-25

25+

Prep Time:

Time to run:

30 min

Statement starters template

An approach to phrasing problem statements that invites broad exploration

Start from this template

Courtesy of our friends at

Use this template to jumpstart discussions toward solving the right problem in the best way, by using phrases that encourage broad thinking.

As their main objective, Statement Starters encourage restating problems as invitations for exploration. Instead of being dictatorial, leaving little room for deviation from a predetermined type of solution, these phrases ask your team to consider various alternatives. For example, a prescriptive statement like, “We need a device to help people listen to music” contains an embedded solution.

Instead, a Statement Starter might convert the challenge into a question like this: “How might we help people listen to music?”

This phrasing leaves room for multiple interpretations of the challenge, thereby increasing the possibility of finding new and better solutions.

The statement starter template helps you:

Kickstart productive discussions with your team
Encourage thinking outside the box
Challenge your assumptions
Discover innovative solutions to complex problems

How to use the statement starters template

To use Mural’s statement starters template, follow the steps outlined below with your team.

1. Select a problem or opportunity to examine

The first step in using statement starters is to zero in on the problem you’re trying to solve. Use the template to outline the challenge as succinctly as possible.

2. Invite a diverse team of stakeholders

Make sure to include people from a diverse array of backgrounds, so that you can be sure to have all the bases covered and avoid blind spots that could render your brainstorming less valuable.

3. Reframe the problem as a (series of) How Might We question(s)

Have each participant analyze the central challenge or problem, and then reframe that challenge as a series of How Might We questions.

For example, your challenge might be, “We feel burdened by the maintenance of our current products.” This could be reframed as, “How might we maintain products during everyday work?”

4. Use these new questions as the basis for group brainstorming

Now that you’ve reframed the issues as a series of How Might We questions, bring your team together to brainstorm answers to those questions.

Tips for running a statement starters template workshop

To get the most out of the Mural statement starters template, you should:

Ensure that every participant has the appropriate context and background necessary to contribute meaningfully to the discussion (this can either take place before your meeting as pre-work, or as part of your introduction)
Use Mural’s private mode to avoid groupthink when coming up with your statement starter questions, and anonymous voting to help determine the best options to use for brainstorming solutions
Group ideas by theme as you brainstorm, so you can key in on specific pain points and ensure that you’re solving the right problems

How to create a Statement starters template

Start from blank template

View example template

Mural makes it easy to brainstorm and craft innovative solutions, together

Whether in real time or asynchronously, Mural’s unique features and tools make it simple for teams to analyze problems, ideate, and innovate faster.

Sticky notes & text

Add ideas, action items, and more as a sticky note or text box — then change the colors and cluster to identify patterns and new solutions.

Private mode

Avoid groupthink and get authentic feedback by allowing collaborators to add content privately.

Asynchronous collaboration

Innovate and collaborate effectively together without booking time on calendars.

Anonymous voting

Gain consensus and reach alignment quickly, either in real time or asynchronously.

Outline navigation & instructions

Structure your mural for easy navigation, then add activity instructions for collaborators.

Real-time collaboration

Add more productivity and engagement to meetings and calls with features to guide collaboration.