OKR (Objectives and Key Results)
Acronyms and Abbreviations
A goal-setting framework: an ambitious objective, measured by a few concrete results.
In practice
OKRs pair a qualitative objective — 'make onboarding effortless' — with two to five quantitative key results that prove it happened — 'time to first project under two minutes', 'day-seven retention above 40%'. Popularised by Intel and Google, they align teams around outcomes rather than tasks and make progress measurable. Design work gets pulled toward what moves the numbers.
Questions
What is OKR (Objectives and Key Results)?
OKRs are a framework for defining an aspirational objective and the measurable key results that indicate it has been achieved, typically set quarterly.
Why do you use OKR (Objectives and Key Results)?
They connect daily work to outcomes, make priorities explicit, and give design a seat at the table by tying its impact to things the business measures.
How do you use/apply OKR (Objectives and Key Results)?
Set three to five objectives, attach measurable results to each, score them honestly at the end of the period, and let the gaps shape what you do next.
When do you use OKR (Objectives and Key Results)?
Quarterly for most teams; used to frame what design should focus on and how its success will be judged.
Who uses OKR (Objectives and Key Results)?
Product leaders, designers and every team member whose work should ladder to an outcome.
