Name the kind of help a scope needs
Use an at-risk signal when a scope may miss its intended outcome or needs active support. Mark a scope as needing a decision when progress depends on a choice the team cannot make alone.
A circuit-breaker signal makes it clear that continuing as planned is no longer the right default and the work needs to be reconsidered.
Give project reviews a sharper focus
A position on the hill shows how well the work is understood. An attention signal adds urgency and context, helping a review move quickly from a broad chart to the scopes that merit discussion.
The signal does not replace the conversation. It makes sure that conversation starts with the right work.
Keep the rest of the hill readable
Not every uphill scope is a problem, and not every downhill scope is safe. Use signals selectively for exceptions that require attention, while the hill continues to show the team’s overall understanding.
- At risk: a scope needs support or may not land as intended
- Needs a decision: progress depends on a choice
- Circuit breaker: pause and reconsider the planned path