Launch Pulse

Launch Pulse (VITAL Metrics Architecture)

A comprehensive measurement framework engine that designs the full analytics stack for tracking launch success -- from metric definitions through dashboard specifications to automated alert systems. VITAL ensures you measure what matters, detect problems early, and attribute results accurately across channels and touchpoints.

When to Use

• Designing the measurement framework for an upcoming launch
• Defining KPIs and success criteria for GTM initiatives
• Building dashboard specifications for different stakeholder audiences
• Setting up alert systems to detect launch issues early
• Choosing an attribution model for multi-channel campaigns
• Establishing baselines and targets before a launch
• Creating a metrics review cadence and reporting rhythm

What You'll Need

Critical inputs (ask if not provided):

• Product name and launch type (GA, beta, feature, expansion)
• Target audience and customer segments
• Business objectives and success criteria (revenue, adoption, pipeline targets)
• Marketing channels being activated (from demand-engine)
• Sales motion (PLG, sales-led, hybrid)
• Analytics tools and data infrastructure in use

Nice-to-have:

• Historical baselines for similar launches or products
• Current analytics setup and gaps
• Dashboard tools and BI platforms available
• Data team capacity and timeline
• Attribution tools currently deployed
• Customer journey maps (from journey-architect)

Process

Step 1: Build the VITAL Metrics Pyramid

The VITAL pyramid organizes metrics into five layers, each building on the one below. Start from the base (Volume) and work upward to Loyalty.

Step 2: Define Metrics Per Layer

For each VITAL layer, define 4-8 specific metrics with full specifications.

V -- Volume Metrics (Top of Funnel)

I -- Intent Metrics (Mid-Funnel)

T -- Traction Metrics (Pipeline)

A -- Adoption Metrics (Product)

L -- Loyalty Metrics (Retention)

Step 3: Set Targets and Thresholds

For each metric, establish baselines and progressive targets with RAG thresholds.

Target-Setting Template:

RAG Threshold Guidelines:

Step 4: Design Dashboard Architecture

Build four dashboard tiers for different audiences and cadences.

Dashboard Tier Map:

Executive Dashboard Specification (5 metrics):

Step 5: Configure Alert System

Define threshold-based alerts with escalation paths and response protocols.

Alert Configuration Matrix:

Escalation Ladder:

Step 6: Attribution Model Design

Define how credit is assigned across channels and touchpoints.

Attribution Model Comparison:

Recommended Approach:

• Primary: Position-based (40/20/40) for automated attribution
• Secondary: Self-reported "How did you hear about us?" on signup and demo forms
• Validation: Compare models quarterly -- if they diverge significantly, investigate

Attribution Data Requirements:

Output

Save to outputs/launch-pulse/

Deliverables:

1. VITAL Metrics Framework -- Complete pyramid with 25-30 defined metrics, each with definition, source, frequency, owner, baseline, targets (30/90/365), RAG thresholds, and leading/lagging classification
2. Dashboard Specifications -- Four-tier dashboard architecture (Executive, Operations, Campaign, Product) with metric placement, visualization types, comparison logic, and refresh cadences
3. Alert Rules -- Threshold-based alert system with trigger conditions, severity levels, notification channels, recipients, response protocols, and escalation ladders
4. Attribution Model -- Recommended multi-model attribution approach with data requirements, implementation checklist, and quarterly validation protocol

Chain Connections

• Receives from: launch-command (launch plan and workstreams), demand-engine (channel strategy and targets), budget-allocator (spend allocation for ROI tracking)
• Feeds into: growth-loop (adoption and retention metrics), signal-radar (market performance signals), launch-debrief (actuals vs targets)
• Enhanced by: journey-architect (touchpoint mapping for attribution), financial-analyst (unit economics for ROI thresholds)