Using Monoscope with the North Star Framework
Amplitude’s North Star Framework
The North Star Framework helps teams focus on what truly drives long-term success by identifying a single, guiding metric and its supporting inputs. Monoscope extends that framework by making it measurable, dynamic, and connected to your ongoing decisions.
Together, they transform the North Star from a concept into a living system.
Why Combine the North Star Framework and Monoscope
The North Star Framework focuses on strategic direction; Monoscope ensures that direction is quantitatively grounded and continuously updated.
| North Star Element | Monoscope Feature | Result |
|---|---|---|
| North Star Metric | Outcome Metric on a Monoscope Canvas | The focal point for value creation |
| Input Metrics | Driver Metrics & Relationships | Quantifies what drives your North Star |
| Key Initiatives | Initiatives | Connects strategy and execution |
| Review Cadence | Cycle Loops | Regular reflection on progress and learning |
| System Alignment | Strategy Graph | Keeps all teams coordinated toward the same goal |
Your North Star sets the direction. Monoscope makes the path measurable and adaptive.
How It Works
1. Define Your North Star Metric
Start by identifying the core outcome metric that represents value creation for your users and your business. Add it to a Monoscope Canvas as your primary output metric, then describe what it represents and why it matters.
Example: “Active weekly workspaces” → reflects sustained engagement.
2. Map Input Metrics
Next, define the input metrics that most strongly influence your North Star. Use metric-to-metric relationships in the Monoscope Canvas to connect them.
Examples:
- Signups → Activation Rate → Retention
- DAU/MAU Ratio → Engagement → Active Workspaces
These relationships allow Monoscope’s analyses to quantify leverage and identify which inputs most affect your outcome.
3. Connect Initiatives to Inputs
Link your Initiatives (initiatives or experiments) to the input metrics they aim to influence. This transforms the North Star Framework from theoretical alignment into a measurable system of cause and effect.
Each initiative should specify:
- Expected impact direction (positive/negative)
- Confidence level
- Reach and lag time
4. Review Progress in Cycle Loops
Use Cycle Loops (monthly or quarterly) to review movement across your North Star and input metrics.
Each review answers:
- Which inputs moved as expected?
- Which initiatives contributed most?
- Do relationships need to be re-evaluated?
- Is our North Star still the right guiding metric?
These loops keep your strategy adaptive, not static.
5. Update the Strategy Graph
When Cycle Loops close, the Strategy Graph automatically reflects what’s learned:
- Strengthened or weakened relationships between metrics
- Successful initiatives tagged as high-impact
- Emerging input metrics added as new nodes
This keeps your entire system aligned around validated impact, not assumptions.
Example Flow
| Step | Shape Up Equivalent | Monoscope Output |
|---|---|---|
| Identify your North Star | Goal definition | Monoscope Canvas outcome metric |
| Define key inputs | Driver analysis | Metric relationships |
| Launch initiatives | Initiatives | Connected actions |
| Measure progress | Metric trends | Cycle Loop review |
| Reflect and adapt | Planning session | Updated Strategy Graph |
Best Practices
- Keep one North Star. Use supporting metrics for nuance, but keep one focal point for clarity.
- Quantify relationships. Don’t just guess—use Driver or Growth Loop analyses to validate impact.
- Tie every initiative to a metric. Unlinked work doesn’t contribute to your North Star.
- Revisit quarterly. Ensure your North Star still reflects customer value, not internal activity.
- Share visibility. The Monoscope Canvas and Strategy Graph should be accessible to everyone.
Avoid turning the North Star into a vanity KPI. If it doesn’t link to measurable inputs and decisions, it loses meaning.
Summary
Monoscope operationalises the North Star Framework.
- Monoscope Canvases map your North Star and input metrics.
- Initiatives connect strategic effort to measurable outcomes.
- Cycle Loops create rhythm and reflection.
- The Strategy Graph keeps everything aligned across teams.
The North Star Framework gives direction. Monoscope ensures you never lose sight of how to get there.