Statement Starters template

A way to write problem statements that invite broad exploration

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Statement Starters

Statement Starters template FAQs

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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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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?”

Step 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

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Statement Starters template FAQs

What are statement starters?

Statement starters are prompts or phrases that are designed to help individuals or teams articulate their thoughts, ideas, or feelings in a structured and concise manner. They are typically used as a tool for generating meaningful discussions, fostering creativity, and encouraging deeper exploration of a particular topic or problem.

Statement starters can take various forms, such as open-ended questions, sentence fragments, or fill-in-the-blank statements. They serve as a starting point for conversations, brainstorming sessions, or even personal reflection. By providing a framework or a trigger, statement starters help individuals overcome writer's block, initiate dialogue, or spark new insights.

Which method encourages restating problems as invitations for exploration?

One method that encourages restating problems as invitations for exploration is the "How Might We" (HMW) technique. The HMW technique is commonly used in design thinking processes to reframe problem statements into open-ended questions that foster creative thinking and generate innovative solutions.

The process of using the HMW technique involves the following steps:

Identify the problem: Begin by clearly defining the problem you are trying to solve or the challenge you are facing.
Restate the problem as an HMW question: Instead of stating the problem as a closed-ended question or a statement, reframe it as an open-ended question starting with "How might we...?" For example, if the problem is "How do we reduce customer churn?" then the corresponding HMW question could be, "How might we increase customer loyalty and retention?"
Encourage exploration and ideation: By phrasing the problem as an invitation for exploration, you create a more positive and creative mindset. It opens up possibilities and encourages brainstorming of diverse ideas and potential solutions. This approach helps move beyond the limitations of the initial problem statement and fosters a more innovative and collaborative environment.

The HMW technique helps shift the focus from problem-solving to solution-creating, enabling teams to explore different perspectives and generate a wide range of ideas. It promotes a more optimistic and generative approach to problem-solving, enhancing the potential for finding novel and effective solutions.