Purpose
Helps clarify target group, value, goals, and priorities in concrete terms. It connects customer value, product logic, and decision priorities. The result is captured as a KPI tree and owner list.
Product Strategy
KPI Tree
Moves target group, value, goals, and priorities toward a concrete result through "define the top metric", "describe the main driver of the top metric", and "set the review cadence".
How does the top metric decompose into controllable sub-metrics, which one contributes how much, and who is responsible for each lever?
MediumWorkshop + async90-180 min initial, dann laufend
How it works
The team follows the steps "define the top metric", "describe the main driver of the top metric", "derive drivers per level", "add owners and data for each node", and "set the review cadence". Each step is made visible. At the end, a KPI tree and owner list are available so decisions, tests, or actions can continue directly.
Visual orientation
Method sketch for a quick mental model.
Flow
- 1Define the top metric
- 2Describe the main driver of the top metric
- 3Derive drivers per level
- 4Add owners and data for each node
- 5Set the review cadence
The runsheet guides execution with 4 phases, timeboxes, 5 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.
Open runsheetIdeal for
- Growth teams
- OKR rollouts
- Strategy alignment
Not good for
- Early phases without data
Deep dive
In detail
A KPI Tree, also called a Metric Tree, is a hierarchical decomposition of a top metric into sub-metrics that affect the business causally. It is often used in growth teams, complements OKRs, or acts as a bridge between a North Star and the team backlog. Owners, current status, and levers are noted for each node.
Facilitation
Start at the top. Define clearly what counts as numerator and denominator for each node. Avoid artificial symmetry in the tree.
Output artifacts
KPI-BaumOwner-Liste
Artifact templates
KPI Tree Working TemplateCompact working template for KPI Tree with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.canvas
KPI Tree Working TemplateCompact working template for KPI Tree with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
canvaskpi-tree-working-template.md
Compact working template for KPI Tree with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
KPI Tree Canvas
Context
What is this method used for?
Core question
Which question should be answered at the end?
Input
Which data, observations, or materials are available?
Working area
- Area 1:
- Area 2:
- Area 3:
- Relationships / patterns:
Output artifacts
- KPI tree:
- Owner list:
Open questions
- ...
Next step
Owner, date, success signal.
When to choose differently
Short decision aid for existing alternatives.
Impact Mapping
Statt KPI Tree, wenn du mit Impact Mapping eine Ziel-zu-Wirkung-Kette mit Stakeholdern, Outcomes und Maßnahmen strukturieren willst.
Similar methods
All methodsProduct Strategy
Counter Metrics
Moves target group, value, goals, and priorities toward a concrete result through "name the main metric", "collect possible unintended side effects", and "use counter metrics alongside the main metric in reviews".
Engineering
Goal Question Metric
Moves technical problems, hypotheses, and next steps toward a concrete result through "formulate the goal clearly", "derive probing questions for each goal", and "set the review cadence".
Product Strategy
OKRs
Turns customer value, goals, and priorities into a tangible result through defining objectives, setting key results, and running review and adjustment.
Product Strategy
Product Vision Board
Vision, target group, needs, value, and business goals fit onto one board that exposes assumptions for validation.
Product Strategy
SMART Goals
Turns target group, value, goals, and priorities into a tangible result by drafting a raw goal, checking specificity, and defining time relevance.
UX Research
HEART Framework
Moves observations, needs, and patterns toward a concrete result through "define a goal for each HEART dimension", "identify signals for each goal", and "agree on a review cadence".