# Challenge statements with How Might We framing

*Platform Strategy Designer Study Guide · Value Design · Last updated November 2, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/platform-strategy-designer/value-design/challenge-statements-with-how-might-we-framing*

When a challenge is worth framing, how to write and test a How Might We statement that pairs a business objective with a user problem, how to ladder it up or down, and how scoping and Triple Constraint trade-offs follow the framing.

- Certification: Salesforce Platform Strategy Designer
- Exam section: Value Design
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/platform-strategy-designer

**Official exam objective:**

> Given a customer scenario, create an effective challenge statement that pairs a business objective with a user problem, to frame the altitude and scope of a design project.

## What the exam expects

- Decide whether a request needs a framed challenge at all.
- Write a How Might We (HMW) challenge statement that pairs a business objective with a user problem.
- Test an HMW against the quality checks and pitfalls, and ladder it up or down.
- Separate framing from scoping, place items in scoping elements, and navigate Triple Constraint trade-offs.
- Key terms: **challenge framing** (defines the focus of the problem); **scoping** (the logistical plan for time, people and resources); **HMW statement** (turns the framing into a question that can be solved); **laddering** (broadening or narrowing an HMW's scope); **Triple Constraint** (scope, time and cost).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Design thinking | Starts with desirability; iterates rough prototypes; not needed for simpler problems | [Design Thinking Principles](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-thinking-for-sales/learn-about-the-principles-of-design-thinking) |
| Framing is the first alignment moment | Defines the problem's focus and creates a shared definition of success | [Frame and Scope](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/frame-and-scope-the-challenge) |
| Challenge statement pairing | Business objective plus user problem | [Value Design Prep](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/salesforce-strategy-designer-certification-prep/learn-about-value-design) |
| No framing needed | Clear fix, evolutionary change, effective team, next-release focus | [Frame and Scope](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/frame-and-scope-the-challenge) |
| How / Might / We | Solvable / explore without committing / collaborative effort | [HMW Statements](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/create-effective-how-might-we-statements) |
| Generative check | Five solutions quickly for the intended impact | [HMW Statements](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/create-effective-how-might-we-statements) |
| Accessible check | Someone outside the team can generate solutions quickly | [HMW Statements](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/create-effective-how-might-we-statements) |
| Assumptions element | Hunches: what must be true about users; hypotheses to test | [Frame and Scope](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/frame-and-scope-the-challenge) |
| Triple Constraint | Scope, time, cost | [Frame and Scope](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/frame-and-scope-the-challenge) |

## Check yourself

- When during prototyping does an HMW statement still earn its keep?
- Why did Cloud Kicks' first statement, about fixing the supply chain, fail its test?
- Which four questions start the framing process?
- Why can the size of the project team illustrate the Triple Constraint?

## Sources

- [Frame and Scope the Challenge](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/frame-and-scope-the-challenge)
- [Create Effective How Might We Statements](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/challenge-framing-and-scoping/create-effective-how-might-we-statements)
- [Learn About the Principles of Design Thinking](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-thinking-for-sales/learn-about-the-principles-of-design-thinking)
- [Gain Alignment](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/alignment-as-a-strategic-craft/gain-alignment)
- [Learn About Value Design](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/salesforce-strategy-designer-certification-prep/learn-about-value-design)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 19 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Platform Strategy Designer pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams