SkilsMVP
BootcampCapstone · Deliverable 4

Metrics framework

Builds on Topic 9.

What you'll produce

A metrics framework for your product: a North Star metric, the key supporting metrics across the funnel, a counter-metric to keep you honest, and the specific metric your PRD feature should move. This proves the Topic 9 skills: choosing the right numbers, avoiding vanity metrics, and defining success.

Instructions

  1. Pick a North Star metric — the one number that best captures the real value your product delivers (not a vanity metric like "total sign-ups ever"). Define it precisely.
  2. Map 1–2 supporting metrics per AARRR stage (Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Referral, Revenue) — the inputs that drive the North Star.
  3. Name one vanity metric your team should not be fooled by, and say why.
  4. Add a counter-metric — something to watch so you don't "win" your North Star while harming the product (e.g., engagement up but complaints up).
  5. Tie it to your feature: state the exact metric your Deliverable 3 feature is meant to move, and what result would count as success.
  6. State your current guess at which funnel stage is weakest for your product, and why.

Worked example

(Product: habit-tracking app)

  • North Star: Weekly active users who complete at least one habit check-in (captures real value: people actually building habits).
  • Supporting (AARRR): Acquisition — installs from organic search; Activation — % who set up a first habit on day 1; Retention — week-2 retention (the known weak point); Referral — invites sent; Revenue — free→paid conversion.
  • Vanity metric to avoid: Total downloads ever — only goes up, hides the week-2 churn.
  • Counter-metric: Notification opt-outs — if our reminders boost check-ins but spike opt-outs, we're harming the experience.
  • Feature metric: The reminder feature should lift week-2 retention for users who receive it; success = a meaningful, sustained lift vs. control.
  • Weakest stage (guess): Retention (week 2) — consistent with discovery.

Rubric

Levels: Needs work (1) / Solid (2) / Excellent (3). Passing = every criterion at Solid or above.

  • North Star reflects real value — 1: a vanity/number-go-up metric · 2: a reasonable value metric · 3: a precise, value-capturing North Star.
  • Funnel/supporting metrics — 1: random metrics · 2: covers most AARRR stages · 3: clear inputs mapped to stages that drive the North Star.
  • Identifies a vanity metric — 1: missing · 2: names one · 3: names one and explains why it misleads.
  • Counter-metric — 1: missing · 2: a plausible counter-metric · 3: a counter-metric that genuinely guards the North Star.
  • Feature tied to a metric — 1: vague · 2: names the metric · 3: names the metric and a clear success bar.
  • Coherence with prior deliverables — 1: disconnected · 2: linked · 3: traces cleanly from discovery/PRD.