Have you been stuck on a project for so long that you have trouble innovating? Get out of the rut by conducting an ideation and brainstorming session.
Depending on the complexity of your project, you can use sticky notes, brainwriting, or even reverse brainstorming to generate ideas. However, if you have a strict deadline and limited resources, you have to get creative.
This is where the How Now Wow (HNW) method can help you. HNW brainstorming will narrow down your ideas based on parameters such as feasibility, uniqueness, or timelines, allowing you to figure out which ideas are worth pursuing.
What Is the How Now Wow Brainstorming Method?
The HNW method involves a matrix in a 2X2 format. The X-axis denotes the originality of an idea, and the Y-axis, the feasibility of the concept. Each idea is rated as normal or innovative on the horizontal axis and as easy or challenging to implement on the vertical axis.
This creates three categories: How, Now, and Wow. You then organize every idea you've thought of under one of these groups. But before moving on, let's understand what each of these categories means.
- How: The ideas in this category are innovative but challenging to execute. You might need more money, time, or people for them. That's why you should only add futuristic ideas to this category.
- Now: This one has ideas that are known to the team and can be worked upon efficiently. So if you are looking for some quick wins, pursue the concepts in the Now category.
- Wow: The ideas in this category are unique and also easy to implement. So if your aim is rapid innovation, try to get as many ideas as possible in this category.
How to Use the How Now Wow Matrix for Brainstorming
Every team is given 30 to 60 minutes to complete this matrix. Then, based on the originality and complexity of each idea, you need to categorize them into one of the three sections.
By the end of the activity, you want to take away the most unique and simple ideas (under the Wow category) for further development. If the project is complex, you can conduct multiple sessions till you achieve your goal.
Two Ways to Conduct the HNW Session
Whether you work with a small group in an office or a large, global team, you can conduct the HWN session efficiently. You can do so by either using pen and paper or virtual whiteboarding tools.
How to Use the How Now Wow Method in the Real World
If your team is available in person, then you can draw the HNW matrix on a flipchart or print the matrix template, which is readily available online. You can abbreviate the ideas and write them in the respective category. Record the ideas in the Wow category and convey them to the relevant team for further development.
There are two downsides to the process. First, the outcome can be hard to read if the writing on the board is not legible. Second, you have to take multiple printouts and retain them if you are conducting numerous sessions.
How to Set Up a Virtual How Now Wow Session
If you collaborate with global teams, you can use whiteboarding software like Miro or Google Jamboard. Miro provides a ready-to-use template of the HNW matrix that you can add to your Miro board. You can conduct and record the brainstorming session via Zoom or any video conferencing software.
Working online means that you don't have to worry about taking a bunch of printouts or illegible handwriting. However, you need to ensure your team is familiar with the whiteboarding software; else, you must factor in the time required to teach them.
Get Creative With Ideation
The How Now Wow matrix is used for brainstorming sessions, team-building exercises, or ice breakers. You don't have to use it as it is, and you can combine it with other brainstorming methods that will suit your needs. This combination will help you narrow down the list of ideas further and make the entire process more efficient.
However, before you use this method, analyze whether it aligns with your goals. For example, if your requirement is simple, then another ideation process might be better. But if you need to work on several complex projects, you can use the HNW method to generate many unique and creative ideas.