In Design Thinking, "Hills" act as powerful mission statements for specific user outcomes, guiding your project towards user-centred solutions. They focus on "Who" benefits, "What" they can achieve, and the impactful "Wow" factor. This 90-minute exercise helps you define clear and compelling Hills to drive your design process.

Materials:

1. This template with "Who", "What", and "Wow" columns
2. Markers or pens
3. Sticky notes (optional)

‍Steps:

1. Review User Insights (15 minutes):

1. Briefly refresh your team's understanding of key user needs and pain points identified in the previous "Empathy:User and Needs Mapping" exercise.

2. Define the Who (20 minutes):

1. Brainstorm and discuss diverse user groups potentially impacted by your project.
2. Narrow down and clearly identify the specific user group or persona who will be the core focus of your Hill statements. Avoid generalisation.

3. Explore the What (30 minutes):

1. Individually brainstorm: Using sticky notes or directly on the template, write down any user actions or improvements that would address the needs of your chosen user group. Encourage diverse ideas and avoid judgment.
2. Group discussion: Share and discuss individual ideas. Cluster and categorise related suggestions.
3. Refine and prioritise: Select the 2-3 most impactful and feasible outcomes that truly address user needs.

4. Capture the Wow (20 minutes):

1. For each prioritised outcome in the "What" section, brainstorm ways to make it truly amazing and unexpected for the user. Consider:
2. Emotional impact: How will this solution positively change the user's feelings or experience?
3. Surprise factor: Can you add elements of delight or unexpected value?
4. Long-term benefit: How will this solution positively impact the user beyond the immediate task?

5. Draft Two Hills (15 minutes):

1. Using the chosen "Who" and "What" outcomes, craft two distinct Hill statements following the "Who - What - Wow" format. Ensure each Hill is:
2. Clear and concise: Use simple language and avoid technical jargon.
3. User-centric: Focus on the benefits for the user, not the solution itself.
4. Impactful: Highlight the positive change and emotional resonance for the user.

Tips:

1. Encourage active participation and diverse perspectives from all team members.
2. Use clear and concise language in all sections.
3. Prioritise user needs and ensure the defined outcomes truly address their challenges.
4. Consider the feasibility and potential impact of your desired outcomes.
5. Use this template as a starting point and adapt it to fit your specific project and user group.

Remember: Effective Hills guide your design decisions and keep you focused on creating solutions that genuinely improve the lives of your target users. Use this exercise to craft compelling Hills that drive your design thinking process towards user-centred solutions.