Value Elements — Bain B2C Pyramid (30)

One-line definitions for metadata.values. Assign 1–3 per acceptance; prefer the most specific element; when torn between tiers, pick the higher tier only if the acceptance genuinely operates there.

Functional

• saves-time — completes the user's task in less time.
• simplifies — reduces steps, choices, or cognitive load.
• makes-money — helps the user earn.
• reduces-risk — protects against loss, error, or uncertainty.
• organizes — brings order to the user's things or life.
• integrates — ties different tools/parts of life together.
• connects — brings the user together with other people.
• reduces-effort — same outcome, less work.
• avoids-hassles — prevents friction and annoyance before it happens.
• reduces-cost — saves the user money.
• quality — superior craft or performance the user can feel.
• variety — meaningful choice and breadth.
• sensory-appeal — looks, sounds, or feels good in the moment.
• informs — tells the user something they want to know.

Emotional

• reduces-anxiety — calms; makes the user feel safe.
• rewards-me — tangible perks for engagement.
• nostalgia — positive memory of the past.
• design-aesthetics — beauty as an experienced value, beyond function.
• badge-value — signals identity or status to others.
• wellness — improves physical or mental well-being.
• therapeutic-value — actively supports emotional processing or healing.
• fun-entertainment — enjoyable, playful, delightful.
• attractiveness — makes the user feel attractive.
• provides-access — grants entry to something otherwise out of reach.

Life-changing

• provides-hope — reason to believe things can improve.
• self-actualization — helps the user become who they want to be.
• motivation — energizes the user toward their goals.
• heirloom — something worth passing on across time.
• affiliation-belonging — makes the user part of a group that matters.

Social impact

• self-transcendence — helps beyond the user themselves.