[Amelia]

If it cannot be quantified, and thus not verified, by science, what business do we have in believing a hypothesis has any basis whatsoever in reality?

You are on the right track with this idea. You must be able to test a hypothesis, or it is worthless.

Here's the first definition I found at www.dictionary.com. There are others, but this looked like a good one:

hy·poth·e·sis    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (h-pth-ss)
n. pl. hy·poth·e·ses (-sz)

1. A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.
2. Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption.
3. The antecedent of a conditional statement.

Definition #1 is the one I'd consider closest to the "scientific" definition. Note that you must be able to test the hypothesis.

[jennyp]

Hyperthetical PLACEMARKER.

[Junior]

Placemarker.

[Fester Chugabrew]

Hypothesis: A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.

Let us then tentatively adopt the above dictionary definition as THE scientific definition of "hypothesis" and consider first of all which, if any, of its components can be accomplished or even recognized without intelligence, or design. Can you name one? I can, but only one. Here are the components I can reasonably distinguish:

1.) Explanation
2.) Observation
3.) Phenomenon
4.) Scientific Problem
5.) Testing
6.) Investigation

As far as "testing" is concerned, what should one look for to detect the presence of intelligence or design? Here are a few things I would look for:

1.) Order
2.) Symmetry
3.) Functionality
4.) Consistency
5.) Quantifiability
6.) Observability
7.) Interaction
8.) Communication

Is it really necessary to establish a scientifc test to determine whether these things are truly present in the universe? How about just opening those eyeballs a little bit? How about being born?!!!!

Now, as for how intelligence and design are related to each other, one should at least ask which of the two can exist without the other. Can there be intelligence without design, or vice versa, can there be design without intelligence?

[Fester Chugabrew]

Since you are apparently unwilling to offer up a working definition of "intelligence" or "design" so we can see how these apply to a "hypothesis" I will go ahead and do it myself.

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in·tel·li·gence    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (n-tl-jns)
n.

1. 1. The capacity to acquire and apply knowledge.
   2. The faculty of thought and reason.
   3. Superior powers of mind. See Synonyms at mind.
2. An intelligent, incorporeal being, especially an angel.
3. Information; news. See Synonyms at news.
4. 1. Secret information, especially about an actual or potential enemy.
   2. An agency, staff, or office employed in gathering such information.
   3. Espionage agents, organizations, and activities considered as a group: “Intelligence is nothing if not an institutionalized black market in perishable commodities” (John le Carré).

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de·sign    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (d-zn)
v. de·signed, de·sign·ing, de·signs
v. tr.

1. 1. To conceive or fashion in the mind; invent: design a good excuse for not attending the conference.
   2. To formulate a plan for; devise: designed a marketing strategy for the new product.
2. To plan out in systematic, usually graphic form: design a building; design a computer program.
3. To create or contrive for a particular purpose or effect: a game designed to appeal to all ages.
4. To have as a goal or purpose; intend.
5. To create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner.

v. intr.

1. To make or execute plans.
2. To have a goal or purpose in mind.
3. To create designs.

n.

1. 1. A drawing or sketch.
   2. A graphic representation, especially a detailed plan for construction or manufacture.
2. The purposeful or inventive arrangement of parts or details: the aerodynamic design of an automobile; furniture of simple but elegant design.
3. The art or practice of designing or making designs.
4. Something designed, especially a decorative or an artistic work.
5. An ornamental pattern. See Synonyms at figure.
6. A basic scheme or pattern that affects and controls function or development: the overall design of an epic poem.
7. A plan; a project. See Synonyms at plan.
8. 1. A reasoned purpose; an intent: It was her design to set up practice on her own as soon as she was qualified.
   2. Deliberate intention: He became a photographer more by accident than by design.

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With these definitions in mind it is clear that a hypothesis cannot even exist without both intelligence and design.