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This is a participative workshop which aims to bring together experts working with Lidar technologies for a series of structured conversations.

The aims of the workshop are to

1. Co-create a series of shared visions for Lidar Technologies.

2. Share our assessment of the current state of technology

3. Shape our ideas for how we might speed up our progress towards our shared vision.

Registration and coffee is at 9.30 with the opening session at 10.00 and the workshop will by finished 17.00.

In addition to short coffee breaks, there is a longer break of an hour at lunchtime to catch up on emails and calls or develop your network through conversations with others at the event.

The materials generated from the workshop will be shared immediately with those attending and longer term will be used to contribute to the shaping of future research programmes

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Venue: National Railway Museum | York  YO26 4XJ

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Venue: National Railway Museum | York  YO26 4XJ

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The rail station is normally a few minutes walk from York station but there are some alteration works going on in October so we suggest you factor in a 10 minute walk.

Car travel in central York can be tricky, we would recommend using the Park and Ride option.

https://www.itravelyork.info/park-and-ride

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Getting to the National Railway Museum - Hire The Railway Museum

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There is also a direct route to the Museum via the station footbridge.

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If you find it helpful to prepare some thoughts in advance, then please use our detailed agenda to make some notes and help yourself to prepare for the workshop.

We will be asking you to contribute to three main discussions:

1. What do you hope 2035 will look like for Lidar technologies? What are some of the challenges we may have addressed and the opportunities we have maximised?

2. Where are we in 2024 in relation to this aspirational vision? What are some of the current challenges that we urgently need to address? What are some of the drivers that are pushing progress with Lidar technologies?

3. How might we start to move forward from here towards our desired future?

The final part of the afternoon you will choose which of the ideas starting to emerge from the third conversation you want to explore in more detail. This could be individually, in a pair or in a group.

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You do not need an account to add information

Click on the Pink + sign

Add a link to your website or upload a document or a photo

Add some text in this section

Choose the "Section 2" to add to this shelf

https://padlet.help/l/en/article/7hwq09wbop-how-to-add-a-post-to-a-padlet

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What will the future of Lidar look like?

What technology will be common place in 2030/2040/2050?

What problems will we have solved?

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Having reviewed the desired future ambitions, this is an opportunity to share current focus areas for Lidar, the successes and breakthroughs and the challenges that we are facing with Lidar technology and research.

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What are the questions we will need to address to reach our future vision?

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What are the questions we will need to address to reach our future vision?

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Working in small groups you will generate some interesting How Might We Questions that will need to be explored so we can move forwards.

These questions will help us unblock some of the current challenges and further develop the solutions we are currently working on.

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Nominate a How Might We Question you want to discuss further

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Nominate a How Might We Question you want to discuss further

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You will each be able to either nominate a How Might We Question you would love to explore further or opt to join other participants in a small group exploring a question.

Each group will address some key questions that will help identify why this question is so important, what the next steps might be and who should be involved in further discussions.

The information from each group will be uploaded at the end of the workshop and form part of our roadmapping report

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What are the next priorities for Lidar research and innovation 

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What are the next priorities for Lidar research and innovation 

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An opportunity to reflect and share your insights from the workshop - what really caught your attention that should be a priority for future discussion and focus?

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Table 1: Forming a Community of Practice (open PPT to hear the audio) 

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Table 1: Forming a Community of Practice (open PPT to hear the audio) 

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Forming a Community of Experts

- Forming a community of experts to collaborate on projects.
- Share knowledge and work as a consortium.
- Leverage past innovations and showcase successful collaborations.

Click on audio to hear short summary presentation

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Lidar the Current Reality: Where are we now?

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Lidar the Current Reality: Where are we now?

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Lidar the Current Reality: Where are we now?

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Lidar the Current Reality: Where are we now?

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Table 2 | Selecting Key Technologies  (click on PPT for audio)

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Table 2 | Selecting Key Technologies  (click on PPT for audio)

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Project Development and Management

- a road map of lighter satellites.
- The top-level because the user needs the bottom is capability, and you've got component system mission constantly between them as you go along, it's the timescale.
- When you're developing a project, you know how your elements fit in and when they have to be delivered.
Community-Driven UK Roadmap for Spaceponyder Products
- Community-focused roadmap for space products.
- Aims to guide funding allocation and hosting.
- Will include input from a broad range of community members, including European experts.

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Professor Rees has been involved in the development of Lidar systems and their exploitation for atmospheric science since 1970.

He ran the Atmospheric Physics Laboratory at UCL for more than 30 years. That involved participation in several NASA Missions, FPI (Dynamics Explorer), HRDI (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite) and the TIDI instrument on the TIMED Satellite. Through his companies, he has subsequently been involved in providing the 24/7 capability for the ALOMAR Lidar Observatory in North Norway as well as the development of the direct detection technique exploited by ESA’s highly successful Aeolus Mission.

He has participated in a number of ESA design and development studies for Aeolus and ATLID/EarthCARE amongst other projects. He has also worked on several large astronomical telescopes. A current hot R&D topic is development of Imagining Lidar Systems, exploiting very high-performance imaging photon detectors with 100 p. sec time tagging. He was also largely responsible for the design and fabrication of the MSASI instrument on the MMO satellite of the ESA / JAXA BepiColombo Mission to Mercury, due to orbit Mercury in late 2026.

David's role at the workshop will be to listen to the conversations and pull out overall themes that are emerging which are aligned with current Lidar strategy, the things that might be useful additions and anything that we may want to consider adding.

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Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)- Space /STFC 

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Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)- Space /STFC 

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This site uses cookies to help make it more useful and reliable. Our Cookies page explains what they are, which ones we use, and how you can manage or remove them. - Don't show this message again

RAL Space carry out world-class science research and technology development with significant involvement in more than 210 instruments on missions to date.

No

As an integral part of the Science and Technology Faciliti​es Council (STFC), RAL Space is the space hub for UK Rese​arch and Innovation​, supporting its mission to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish.​

Our Visio​​n

RAL Space is the UK's national laboratory advancing the understanding​ of space and our environment for the benefit of all.

​What we ​do

We work with UK and overseas agencies, universities and industrial companies on space and ground based space projects. Our unique position between industry and academia enables us to strengthen the UK space community. We do this through:​

RAL Space has over 60 years of experience and expertise in space programmes. Our experts work throughout the lifecycle of space missions:

leading concept stu​​dies for future missions

developing bespoke innovative scientific instrumentation

providing space test and ground-based facilities

operating ground-stations

processing and analysing data.

​We employ more than 335 highly skilled staff in the heart of the Harwell Space Cluster and at the Chilbolton Observatory. We provide a graduate training programme, apprenticeships and placement student opportunities, as well opportunities for engineers, scientists and technicians throughout their careers. Find out more about careers at RAL Space.

For more information please contact: RAL Space Enquiries

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science and technology facilities council

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This site uses cookies to help make it more useful and reliable. Our Cookies page explains what they are, which ones we use, and how you can manage or remove them. - Don't show this message again RAL Space carry out world-class science research and technology development with significant involvement in more than 210 instruments on missions to date.

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Writing Inspiring and interesting How Might We Questions for purposeful Deep Diving! 

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Writing Inspiring and interesting How Might We Questions for purposeful Deep Diving! 

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This article provides a variety of How Might We Question formats to inspire you to generate something that is open to discussion and goes beyond the average enquiry.

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Learn Design Thinking

"I learned a lot from the live demonstrations. I really enjoyed watching the problem statement, affinity mapping and DVF excercises. Definitely stealing these 🙂."
Toqa - Product Designer
Explore The Course

In this post, you'll learn how to expand the field of possible solutions by writing inspiring How Might We statements.

Let's get started...

What Is a How Might We Statement?

How Might We statements (HMWs for short) are used to inspire us during ideation and when we're brainstorming solutions to a complex problem. Basically, they're design challenges framed as questions that we answer by generating ideas.

Write How Might We statements after you've defined the problem and before you begin ideating. We do this because they help expand our thinking and open up new possibilities and directions for generating ideas.

For example: If we started to generate ideas based on the problem statement alone, our focus would be narrow and our creative juices won't be flowing because we're starting with a negative framing of the design challenge.

How Might We statements reframe our problem statement into a positive, aspirational question, which inspires us to think more creatively and uncover wild ideas. They help us to turn insights into action.

50 Examples of How Might We Statements
Insight: We think of our best ideas while enjoying a break from a tedious task.
Dial up the goodness

1. HMW turn ideation into a fun outing with friends?

2. HMW use flexible working to promote creativity within our team?

3. HMW encourage people to make more time for things they enjoy?

4. HMW make completing tedious tasks a positive and enjoyable experience?

5. HMW give our staff more freedom and flexibility throughout their day?

6. HMW encourage managers to incentivize taking breaks?

7. HMW create conditions for creativity to thrive when it's needed most?

8. HMW make creative workshops as enjoyable as taking a break?

9. HMW help our team plan their days around 'thinking' and 'doing' tasks?

10. HMW make workshops places where customers take breaks with designers?

11. HMW make tedious tasks the most enjoyable part of our day?

12. HMW reframe tedious tasks to promote creativity and freedom of thought?

13. HMW show the value of bad ideas in the process to finding good ideas?

14. HMW spend more time replenishing creative juices than on tedious tasks?

15. HMW turn the creative process into a paid vacation?

16. HMW completely remove tedious tasks from our schedules?

Problem: New parents can get overwhelmed by conflicting childcare advice when they search online, making them feel confused, alone, and unsupported.
Make it emotional

1. HMW make new mums feel the love of the community when their new baby arrives?

2. HMW boost parents' mental health during the first few months of parenthood?

3. HMW help friends of new parents show their support when it's needed most?

4. HMW help parents get advice from people they know at meaningful moments?

5. HMW provide a service that makes caring for new babies feel like a team effort?

6. HMW help parents feel connected to other parents to create new bonds?

7. HMW time healthcare visits on ups and downs?

8. HMW say 'I'm here for you' when new parents need it most?

9. HMW provide care and warmth for new parents in the post natal period?

10. HMW create companionship and new connections between new parents in the area?

11. HMW say "I'm with you" when new parents need it most?

12. HMW help friends and families show their love and support?

13. HMW help make new parents make friends with people in the same boat?

14. HMW drop by for a cuppa and share advice at meaningful times?

Insight: People that understand the impact of their travel habits on the environment, choose more sustainable transport methods.
Explore the opposite

1. HMW enable commuters to choose a carbon footprint rather than a travel mode?

2. HMW tailor our features for people that care about sustainability?

3. HMW remove the desire to choose less sustainable modes of transport?

4. HMW design our product for the environment rather than our users?

5. HMW make environmental impact a primary consideration when planning a journey?

6. HMW show people how much damage a mode of transport does to the environment?

7. HMW challenge how people understand their impact on the environment?

8. HMW change the idea that convenience is the easiest route?

9. HMW encourage people to discard their travel habits?

10. HMW focus the app on how unsustainable some travel modes are?

Problem: People that are required to work from an office find it difficult to make healthy choices at lunchtime leading to lower energy levels and work dissatisfaction.
Question an assumption

1. HMW make tasty junk food that energizes and nourishes people?

2. HMW remove food from the equation so people can spend their lunchtimes resting?

3. HMW structure working days to maintain good energy levels throughout?

4. HMW provide healthy options that are more tasty than junk food?

5. HMW make junk food healthy?

6. HMW remove the need for people to make choices at lunch time?

7. HMW use lunchtimes to increase energy levels without food?

8. HMW encourage people to graze throughout the day?

9. HMW increase work satisfaction by making lunch times more of an event?

10. HMW encourage people to swap lunches?

11. HMW make lunch a social event to look forward to?

12. HMW help local caters to provide healthy choices that people want?

13. HMW help people to prepare their own lunches each day?

14. HMW make our restaurant a haven from the workplace?

What Makes a Good How Might We Statement?

A good HMW statement helps the design thinker to expand the field of possible solutions and gives you heaps of ideas for your prototype. They bridge the gap between complex problem and creative solution.

Here Are 5 Tips to Help You Write Better HMWs

1. Base them on problems
A good How Might We statement addresses a real problem experienced by a real person. If you want your solutions to be useful and create value, they need to have been inspired by evidence or observation, so write a problem statement first.

2. Base them on insights
Although it makes sense to brainstorm HMWs based on a problem statement, you can also brainstorm HMWs inspired by any interesting or notable insights you discovered during user research. This will give you lots of good starting points and can broaden your pool of possible solutions.

3. Keep them outcome focused
Focus on the outcome you would like to create, or the ideal you'd like to achieve. For example, rather than HMW reduce errors, an outcome-focused statement would be HMW make it easy to complete the task. It's a subtle difference but has a big impact on your creative thought process.

4. Frame them so they inspire lots of ideas
To inspire lots of ideas, your HMW statement needs to be broad enough that you could come up with many ideas, and focused enough that you're addressing a relevant insight or customer problem.

5. Make them positive and inspirational
The language you use will go a long way in inspiring you and your team to come up with innovative ideas. Use positive words and an inspiring tone. Make the statements emotionally charged and meaningful. This energy will pass through you and into your ideas.

How might we statements are used in human centered design as a way to kickstart innovative thinking.
How to Use How Might We Questions?

Generating HMW statements is a great divergent thinking exercise to include during a Design Sprint or any other design thinking process.

We write our HMW questions once we've clearly defined our problem and we're ready to start generating ideas.

We do this exercise with our team so we get the benefit of everyone's unique perspectives and ways of thinking.

Once we have lots of inspiring How Might We statements to choose from, we discuss them and select our favorites. Then we begin ideating.

Here are 5 steps to using HMWs:

Start with a problem or insight - We want our How Might We statements to be inspired by our user research. This is important because if we want our ideas to resonate with our users, we need to link our research to our ideas. Start this exercise by writing a problem statement and gathering your most interesting insights. In UX design when we write a problem statement, it's best practice to include who you're designing for, what problem they have, and how it's affecting them.

Brainstorm HMWs - Put your problem statement and insights so that everyone can see them. Give everyone a set amount of time, and start to brainstorm How Might We statements. Go for quantity over quality, we want volume. This encourages us to think beyond the obvious and explore new and interesting ways of framing your design thinking challenge.

Group and discuss them - Once everyone has finished, ask everyone to put their How Might We statements where everyone can see them. Either lay them out on the table or put them up on a wall or digital whiteboard. Ask everyone to read through the statements and group them into broad themes. Don't over think it, just look for common topics, categories and relationships. This is just to encourage us to read through them all properly and get our heads into the right creative space. Spend some time discussing the themes as a group: What's interesting? What's surprising? What's new?

Pick the best HMWs - Ask everyone to vote on the How Might We statements that are most inspiring and interesting. Give everyone a limited number of votes and a few minutes to think about their choices. If you're in person, they can cast their votes by drawing a dot or making a mark on the HMW they like best. Or, if you're using an online whiteboard tool, add a sticker or shape to the chosen HMWs. Once the votes are in, take the HMWs with the most votes or pick one to use for ideation.

Start ideation or brainstorming - Choose one of the many ideation methods to start generating ideas for solutions based on your How Might We statements. This is when you're officially into the ideation phase. To learn more about how to generate innovative ideas, check out our complete guide.

Conclusion

How Might We statements are used in human centered design as a way to kickstart innovative thinking. They're based on problems and insights gathered from user research, and they're outcome focused.

To use them, brainstorm HMWs with your team, group them into themes, pick the best ones, and start ideation.

As a user experience designer, the design thinking method is an invaluable tool to have in your arsenal. Practice writing how might we statements to boost your creative confidence and push your innovation process to the next level.
Where do HMW statements come from?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you share a design thinking case study?
The HMW question was first used in the design thinking methodology during the 1970s by Proctor & Gamble and then popularized more recently by David Kelley and the Ideo design team.

Further Reading

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Design Thinking: 54 How Might We Examples

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"I learned a lot from the live demonstrations. I really enjoyed watching the problem statement, affinity mapping and DVF excercises. Definitely stealing these 🙂." Toqa - Product Designer Explore The Course In this post, you'll learn how to expand the field of possible solutions by writing inspiring How Might We statements.

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During the workshop, the facilitators will be adding notes from plenary sessions onto this document.

You are welcome to view and add further reflections, and we would love some direct quotes as well.

The document will be used for the formal workshop reporting process which will start on Monday 21st October

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Lidar Technology Workshop: 16th June - live workshop report

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Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (CSA Catapult)

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Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (CSA Catapult)

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Moments before we all got to know each other...

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Conversations flowed quickly around questions about experience and hopes for Lidar technology.

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Thank you Nic for the introduction to CEOI

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Reflective pause...let's move ourselves mentally 10 years forward to 2035...

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Brainstorming the future of Lidar

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Insightful discussions about Lidar in 2035

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Putting everyone's visions together

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Lidar the Current Reality: Final Summary Chart

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Lidar the Current Reality: Final Summary Chart

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Thank you, David, for sharing what caught your eye today! It's always great to hear insightful thoughts on emerging technologies. Your perspective on Lidar systems and witness reflections adds a fascinating layer to the conversation.

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Fun Birthday Timeline Discussion!

Let’s create a birthday timeline — without revealing the actual dates! Instead, share your birthday in a fun or cryptic way, describing it in terms of events or seasons.

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September potentially marks the start of autumn!?

Partners now according to Star Signs!

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Making Progress with Lidar: What needs to be focused on?

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Making Progress with Lidar: What needs to be focused on?

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Let's dive deeper into some of the fascinating aspects of Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology and explore both its technical and practical implications

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Which table will you sit at?

1. Pink

2. Green

3. Sky Blue

4. Yellow

5. Lilac

6. Orange

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The Rocket @ The National Railway Museum!

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The Rocket @ The National Railway Museum!

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Thank you, Centre for Facilitation, David Rees and CEOI, for putting together and facilitating a marvellous day focused on Lidar! Your guidance today sparked valuable discussions, from exploring Lidar's current applications to envisioning its exciting future. It was an inspiring and insightful journey, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these ideas evolve!

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How might we find out who (in UK) has the complimentary skills/know-how we need?

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How might we select/develop key technologies so we can reach tech capability and target EO?

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How might we develop Lidar to ensure future compatibility with other systems/future tech?

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How do we find application-driven specification of what is needed?

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How to make APD with high intensity and fast recovery (wide dynamic range) at the same time for high performance Lidar?

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How might we support the Lidar community so that quality Lidar proposals are submitted to Technology Development Funding Calls?

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It was a privilege to attend the Future of Lidar Technology and Research Workshop. The potential for Lidar and Radar technologies in autonomous systems and sensory innovations is vast, especially in the context of Earth and space technologies. At Esync Learning, we are exploring ways to integrate these advances into our immersive learning solutions.

We merge Machine Learning (ML) and Extended Reality (XR) to create gamified immersive learning based on Enhanced Scenario-Based Learning (ESBL), focusing on building skills for STEM education and industries like Earth observation, space technology, and autonomous systems.

Looking forward to collaborating with forward-thinking minds and driving innovation together. Learn more about us and our mission at www.EsyncLearning.com.

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Green group: developing a lidar roadmap (recording)

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Green group: developing a lidar roadmap (recording)

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“Fantastic, fully engaged, good networking platform”

“Very good workshop! Thanks CEOI, very organised. Feel good, we are playing the LiDAR game as a community in the UK. And meet experts in this field is also impressive”

“insightful, engaging and interactive work with CTA”

“It was pleasant to have an engaging experience with other experts in the CEOI field and not just gather expertise but also thoughts and future views”

“I learnt a great deal about Lidar and met some interesting people who I hope to meet again”

“Very engaging, different, useful hopefully leads to outcome”

“Yes it was good, I learned why we need alexandrite legacy”

“Pleasant and productive”

“Intensive, detailed and well-organised”

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CEOI Context and Introduction to Workshop 

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CEOI Context and Introduction to Workshop 

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Critical issue of short term <3 year funding, which doesn’t match what is required to do meaningful Lidar work.

Would like to see longer term plans and commitments.

Funding currently ends in March 2025 and awaiting funding strategy.

There is still potential for this technology,our evolution will continue.

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Table 3 | Developing Lidar to ensure future compatibility

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Table 3 | Developing Lidar to ensure future compatibility

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No audio available

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Table 3 Developing Lidar to ensure future compatibility 

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Table 4 | Application Driven Specifications (open PPT for audio) 

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Table 4 | Application Driven Specifications (open PPT for audio) 

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Exploring Disruptive Technologies in

- Discussion on the integration of disruptive technologies

- Current approach focuses on incremental development and user feedback.

- Need to explore avenues for introducing more transformative technologies.

Exploring Sustainable Development

- Discussion on using mythology to meet user requirements with minimal cost and system usage.

- Muhammad's effort focuses on sustainable development by linking identified technologies.

- Alternative approaches include seeking good patent lawyers to identify existing staff.

Cross-field specialists and group discussions

- Cross-field specialists are rare, but group discussions can be useful for covering different topics.

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Table 4 Application Driven Specifications

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Table 5 | APD high intensity/fast recovery high performance Lidar (open PPT for audio)

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Table 5 | APD high intensity/fast recovery high performance Lidar (open PPT for audio)

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High Performance Detectors in Optical Systems

- High performance detectors are crucial for optical systems.
- They enhance system performance and reduce system cost.
- High sensitivity detectors are particularly important in specialized applications.
Designing High-Performance Telescopes
- Designing high-performance telescopes requires advanced technology and materials.
- Collaboration between application sites and researchers is crucial for effective design.
- Telescopes must be designed to meet specific user requirements and avoid interference.

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Table 5 APD high intensity and fast recovery high performance Lidar

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Table 6 | Developing Quality Funding Proposals (open PPT for audio) 

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Table 6 | Developing Quality Funding Proposals (open PPT for audio) 

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Enhancing Lidar Proposals Quality

- To receive fundable lidar proposals and develop commercial property in the UK.
- Improve proposal quality by strengthening communities working on lidar.
- Organize a larger workshop next year to facilitate networking and discussions.
Discussion on sandpit and Gamification
- Talked about sentient workshop and gamification for developing ideas.

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Table 6  Developing Quality Funding Proposals

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How Might We Questions still open for further discussion 

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How Might We Questions still open for further discussion 

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How might we get a route in to space for high risk/novel missions other than European Space Agency (ESA)

How might we increase the number of Lidar users in the UK in order to get more funding for R&D?

How might we raise the TRL of lidar?

How might we evolve our source and detector technology?

How might we increase the coverage of lidar data?

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Reflections on the future of Lidar Technologies

Projects need clear continuity of funding and a roadmap for future space programmes or we will lose skilled people (takes a long time to find them and train them)

Need more meetings like this and a database with broad interests - including cube sat manufacturers

Important deployment of lasers in telescopes - important for future use in cube sats, so much lighter.

Need to involve more people from the commercial world and make people excited about being part of this community.

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Next Steps

The CEOI wishes to see A UK EO Lidar Working Group being born out of this workshop, from the workshop participants interested in such a group, as well as known entities and individuals not present at the workshop. We consider this to be the first stepping stone. The CEOI will organise a follow-up meeting in Q1 2025 with the participants in this Lidar Technology Workshop, with the aim of setting up such a working group.

It was recognised at the National EO Conference held in York in September 2024 that the pool of scientists interested in Lidar remote sensing is quite small, for the reason illustrated earlier in this report. The CEOI could support a workshop gathering a newly formed UK EO Lidar Working Group with a network of science and applications stakeholders, drawn from the NCEO (National Committee on Earth Observation), the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc), as well as government departments (e.g. DSIT, DEFRA, etc.). Funding permitting, this could take place in late Q2 2025.