In a nutshell

Before you try to solve a problem, it helps to ask: are we even asking the right question?

Framestorming is a simple way to explore different ways of describing a challenge, so you can open up new thinking. Small shifts in language can unlock big shifts in perspective.

Set up

Pick a real situation that matters. It might be a design challenge, a team issue, or a tricky opportunity.

Get a flipchart, whiteboard to capture ideas (or use chat). It works well in pairs or groups, but solo reflection is powerful too.

Activity flow

Step 1: Name what’s going on (5–10 mins)

Invite someone to describe the challenge in their own words (challenge definition). Don’t overthink it — just say what it is.

Write it down as a question using “How might I/we…” or “What would it take to…” or a similar open phrase.

This is your starting frame — your launchpad for the session.

Step 2: Zoom in on the language (10–15 mins)

Take a closer look at the words in your original question. Ask:

• Which words are carrying the weight?

• Are there words that are vague, loaded, or open to interpretation?

• What assumptions are baked into the way we’ve phrased it?

• Zoom out – what does this play into? is it a means to an end or deeper purpose?

Step 3: Generate fresh framings (15–20 mins)

Now start creating a list of alternate challenge statements. You’re not trying to solve anything — just restate it in new ways.

Try reframing through different lenses:

• Perspective: Who’s asking this question?

• Time: What happens if we look at the short term vs the long term?

• Emotion: How do we want people to feel?

• Ultimate impact: What’s the deeper need or hope behind this?

Aim for at least 10–15 different phrasings. Keep the tone playful and experimental. Some should feel weird — that’s a good sign.

Step 4: Choose the questions that sing (10 mins)

Review the list together. Look for framings that feel:

• Open and generative

• Surprising or energising

• Emotionally resonant

• Specific but not limiting

Pick 1–3 that feel worth exploring further. These become your framed challenges.

Results

By the end, you’ll have:

• A deeper shared understanding of the challenge

• A few well-crafted questions that invite better ideas and conversations

• A sense of direction that’s been co-created and language-checked

Things to flag up

• Words really matter. Tiny changes can shift the whole shape of the problem.

• Some framings may make people uncomfortable — explore why.

• Don’t aim for perfect phrasing, aim for useful prompts.

• Stay curious. This is about opening the problem, not closing it down.

Riffs & variations

• Use in early project phases before jumping to ideation

• Give everyone some silent time and use sticky notes to capture reframes

• Try a “bad framings” round — what’s an unhelpful way to ask the question?