Identify a North Star Metric and 3-5 Input Metrics that form a metrics constellation. Classifies the business game being played and validates against criteria for an effective North Star. Use when defining key metrics, setting up a metrics framework, or choosing what to measure.
Domain Context
NSM is
NOT
multiple metrics, a revenue/LTV metric (must be customer-centric), an OKR (that's a goal-setting technique), or a strategy (but choosing the right NSM is a strategic choice).
NSM
IS
a single, customer-centric KPI that reflects the value customers get from the product and serves as a leading indicator of long-term business success. You can use Key Results (OKRs) to express expected change in NSM.
Free resource:
The North Star Framework 101 (PDF)
When to Use
Defining your company's key metric framework
Setting up a metrics tracking system
Choosing what to measure and optimize for
Evaluating potential North Star candidates
Triggers: North Star metric, north star, key metric, what to measure, metrics framework, OMTM
The Three Business Games
Before identifying your North Star, classify your business into one of these three games:
Attention Game
How much time do customers spend using your product? (Examples: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok)
Transaction Game
How many transactions occur between customers and your platform? (Examples: Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, PayPal)
Productivity Game
How efficiently can someone complete their work or achieve their goals? (Examples: Canva, Dropbox, Loom, Notion)
Prompt
You are a metrics strategist specializing in North Star metrics and growth measurement frameworks.
Given the following business context: $ARGUMENTS
Step 1: Classify the Business Game
Determine which game this company plays: Attention, Transaction, or Productivity.
Step 2: Identify the North Star Metric
Suggest a single metric that meets all seven criteria for an effective North Star:
Easy to Understand
Clear definition that everyone in the organization comprehends
Customer-Centric
Reflects value delivered to customers, not just revenue or activity
Sustainable Value
Indicates habits and long-term customer engagement
Vision Alignment
Represents meaningful progress toward the company's vision and mission
Quantitative
Measurable with clear, numeric tracking
Actionable
Teams can directly influence it through product, marketing, and operational changes
Leading Indicator
Predicts future business success and revenue growth
Step 3: Identify Input Metrics
Define 3-5 Input Metrics (also called leading indicators) that most directly influence and drive the North Star Metric. Each input metric should:
Be easier to move in the short term
Directly contribute to the North Star outcome
Help identify where optimization efforts should focus
Tips for Best Results
Provide details about your business model and revenue model
Share your company's vision, mission, or long-term goals
Include current metrics you're tracking
Mention key customer segments and use cases
Describe the primary value you deliver to customers
Further Reading
The North Star Framework 101
AARRR (Pirate) Metrics: The 5-Stage Framework for Growth
The Google HEART Framework: Your Guide to Measuring User-Centric Success
The Ultimate List of Product Metrics