hierarchy-of-engagement
Use when asked to "define our core action", "North Star metric", "accruing benefits", "improve retention mechanics", "hierarchy of engagement", or "Sarah Tavel framework". Helps consumer products identify the actions and benefits that drive long-term retention. The Hierarchy of Engagement framework (created by Sarah Tavel at Benchmark) maps progression from core action to mounting loss.
What this skill does
## Domain Context This skill implements a proven product management framework. The approach combines best practices from industry leaders and is designed for practical application in day-to-day PM work. ## Input Requirements - Context about your product, feature, or problem - Relevant data, research, or constraints (recommended but optional) - Clear articulation of what you're trying to achieve # Hierarchy of Engagement ## What It Is The Hierarchy of Engagement is a three-level framework for building consumer products that retain users and create defensibility. The core insight: **retention comes from making the product better the more you use it, so users have more to lose by leaving.** Most consumer products fail not because they lack users, but because they lack retention. Getting someone to sign up is one thing; getting them to stay is everything. This framework provides a systematic approach to building products where engagement compounds over time. The key shift: Move from asking "How do we get more users?" to asking "How do we make each user's experience improve the more they use us?" ## When to Use It Use the Hierarchy of Engagement when you need to: - **Define your North Star metric** (what action matters most?) - **Improve retention** in a consumer or social product - **Build product stickiness** beyond features alone - **Create switching costs** that protect against competitors - **Design your onboarding/activation** flow - **Evaluate product-market fit** through engagement quality - **Prioritize features** that drive compounding value ## When Not to Use It Don't apply this framework when: - Building B2B enterprise software (different retention dynamics) - The product is transactional by nature (one-time purchase) - There's no meaningful "use over time" pattern - You're optimizing for viral acquisition before proving retention ## Resources **Writing:** - *The Hierarchy of Engagement* by Sarah Tavel (Medium) - *The Hierarchy of Engagement, Expanded* by Sarah Tavel ## Further Reading - [Hierarchy Of Engagement](https://www.productcompass.pm/p/hierarchy-of-engagement)
Related in Data & Analytics
clawarr-suite
IncludedComprehensive management for self-hosted media stacks (Sonarr, Radarr, Lidarr, Readarr, Prowlarr, Bazarr, Overseerr, Plex, Tautulli, SABnzbd, Recyclarr, Unpackerr, Notifiarr, Maintainerr, Kometa, FlareSolverr). Deep library exploration, analytics, dashboard generation, content management, request handling, subtitle management, indexer control, download monitoring, quality profile sync, library cleanup automation, notification routing, collection/overlay management, and media tracker integration (Trakt, Letterboxd, Simkl).
querying-soql
IncludedSOQL query generation, optimization, and analysis with 100-point scoring. Use this skill when the user needs SOQL/SOSL authoring or optimization: natural-language-to-query generation, relationship queries, aggregates, query-plan analysis, and performance or safety improvements for Salesforce queries. TRIGGER when: user writes, optimizes, or debugs SOQL/SOSL queries, touches .soql files, or asks about relationship queries, aggregates, or query performance. DO NOT TRIGGER when: bulk data operations (use handling-sf-data), Apex DML logic (use generating-apex), or report/dashboard queries.
app-store-optimization
IncludedApp Store Optimization (ASO) toolkit for researching keywords, analyzing competitor rankings, generating metadata suggestions, and improving app visibility on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Use when the user asks about ASO, app store rankings, app metadata, app titles and descriptions, app store listings, app visibility, or mobile app marketing on iOS or Android. Supports keyword research and scoring, competitor keyword analysis, metadata optimization, A/B test planning, launch checklists, and tracking ranking changes.
habit-flow
IncludedAI-powered atomic habit tracker with natural language logging, streak tracking, smart reminders, and coaching. Use for creating habits, logging completions naturally ("I meditated today"), viewing progress, and getting personalized coaching.
app-store-optimization
IncludedApp Store Optimization (ASO) toolkit for researching keywords, analyzing competitor rankings, generating metadata suggestions, and improving app visibility on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Use when the user asks about ASO, app store rankings, app metadata, app titles and descriptions, app store listings, app visibility, or mobile app marketing on iOS or Android. Supports keyword research and scoring, competitor keyword analysis, metadata optimization, A/B test planning, launch checklists, and tracking ranking changes.
visualizing-data
IncludedBuilds dashboards, reports, and data-driven interfaces requiring charts, graphs, or visual analytics. Provides systematic framework for selecting appropriate visualizations based on data characteristics and analytical purpose. Includes 24+ visualization types organized by purpose (trends, comparisons, distributions, relationships, flows, hierarchies, geospatial), accessibility patterns (WCAG 2.1 AA compliance), colorblind-safe palettes, and performance optimization strategies. Use when creating visualizations, choosing chart types, displaying data graphically, or designing data interfaces.