IBM Design

Hills

Align your team by defining measurable user outcomes. Hills are statements of intent. They focus on user value, not just features.

Duration
1.5 hours
Group Size
5-10
Category
IBM Design
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:

  • Align on user outcomes.

  • Create measurable goals.

  • Focus on value, not features.

  • Guide decision-making.

Participants will have:

  • Defined Hills.

  • Set user-centric goals.

  • Established clear success criteria.

Hills should be ambitious, yet achievable. They describe a future state, not the current problem. Good Hills are specific enough to be measurable, but broad enough to allow creative solutions. For example, instead of "User can click a button," try "A new customer can complete checkout in under 2 minutes with confidence."
Use this process to define 'Hills' - statements of intent focusing on user outcomes.

Hill Structure:
[WHO] can do [WHAT] with [WOW].

  • WHO: A specific user.

  • WHAT: An enabling outcome.

  • WOW: A differentiated value.


Process (90 minutes):

  1. Generate Potential Hills (30 min): Brainstorm using the template. Create 10-20 potential Hills. Focus on outcomes, not solutions.

  2. Evaluate Hills (30 min): Ask:


  • Is it user-focused (not company-focused)?

  • Is it an outcome (not a feature)?

  • Is it meaningful and differentiated?

  • Can we tell when we've achieved it?


  1. Select 3 Hills (20 min): Choose 3 Hills that span the user experience. Ensure they're achievable in the given timeframe. Get team alignment.

  2. Define Success (10 min): How will we know we achieved each Hill? What evidence would prove it?

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

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  • Whiteboard or large paper.

  • Hill template (visible to all).

  • Sticky notes.

  • Markers.

Unlock Materials Required

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Hills - IBM Enterprise Design Thinking
Official IBM Enterprise Design Thinking guide to Hills.

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