The How-Wow-Now Matrix is a prioritisation tool that helps teams classify ideas based on their feasibility and level of innovation. It is a simple but effective way to filter ideas and identify which ones should be pursued immediately, which require more work, and which should be set aside for later consideration.The matrix divides ideas into three categories:
How: Ideas that are highly innovative but currently difficult to implement, requiring further exploration.
Now: Ideas that are easy to implement and have immediate impact.
Wow: Ideas that are innovative and exciting but require more effort or resources to implement.
Use it to
Prioritise ideas and solutions based on their feasibility and innovation potential.
Quickly decide which ideas to implement immediately and which ones to develop further.
Create a structured process for evaluating ideas after a brainstorming session.
Top Tips
Use this matrix after brainstorming to sort through a large number of ideas.
Involve cross-functional teams to provide diverse perspectives on feasibility and impact.
Encourage discussion on how the “Wow” and “How” ideas could become “Now” ideas through iteration.
Use the matrix visually by placing sticky notes or cards with ideas in the appropriate category and colour code them.
How – to
Gather all the ideas from a brainstorming session or ideation process.
Evaluate each idea based on two dimensions: feasibility and impact/innovation.
Classify ideas into one of the three categories:
Now: Easy to implement, high impact.
Wow: Innovative, exciting but needs more resources.
How: Highly innovative but currently difficult or resource intensive.
Prioritise “Now” ideas for immediate implementation and discuss how to develop “Wow” and “How” ideas further.
How Now Wow
Reframe challenges as opportunities
The How-Wow-Now Matrix is a prioritisation tool that helps teams classify ideas based on their feasibility and level of innovation. It is a simple but effective way to filter ideas and identify which ones should be pursued immediately, which require more work, and which should be set aside for later consideration.The matrix divides ideas into three categories:
How: Ideas that are highly innovative but currently difficult to implement, requiring further exploration.
Now: Ideas that are easy to implement and have immediate impact.
Wow: Ideas that are innovative and exciting but require more effort or resources to implement.
Use it to
Top Tips
How – to
Related Methods
Stakeholder Maps
Storyboarding
Dot Voting