A framework for managing products by identifying a single, crucial metric (the North Star Metric)
Sean Ellis
Strategy
he North Star Framework is a framework that helps teams focus on the metrics that matter most. It was created by Sean Ellis, the founder of GrowthHackers, and is based on the idea that every product has a single metric that best captures the core value that it delivers to customers.
The North Star Metric (NSM) is the single metric that best captures the core value that your product delivers to customers. It is the metric that you should focus on improving over time, and it should be the primary measure of success for your product and product teams.
In addition to the NSM, the North Star Framework also includes a set of key inputs that collectively act as factors that produce the metric. These inputs are the things that you can directly influence with your day-to-day work. For example, if your NSM is "active users," then some of your key inputs might be "new users" and "engagement."
The North Star Framework helps product teams in a number of ways. First, it provides a clear focus for the team. When everyone is aligned on the NSM, it's easier to make decisions about what features to build, what experiments to run, and how to measure success.
Second, the North Star Framework helps teams prioritize their work. By understanding the key inputs that influence the NSM, teams can focus on the things that will have the biggest impact on their product's success.
Third, the North Star Framework helps teams communicate their impact. When teams can articulate how their work is contributing to the NSM, they can build credibility with stakeholders and get the resources they need to succeed.
If you're a product manager, the North Star Framework is a valuable tool that can help you focus your team, prioritize your work, and communicate your impact.
Here are some of the benefits of using the North Star Framework: