The Taste-Driven Core Model

Overview

A product development philosophy that removes metrics/KPIs from core product teams, relying instead on founder intuition ("Taste"), long-term vision, and technical quality.

Core principle: Make the best product first, make money second. Never reverse them.

The Hierarchy

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ 100-YEAR VISION │ │ (The North Star) │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ TASTE & INTUITION │ │ (The "Okay-to" Review Process) │ │ Every release reviewed by leadership via video │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE │ │ (The "How" Enables Optionality) │ │ Spend time debating architecture, not just shipping │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key Principles

Principle Description

No KPIs for core Metrics are banned for brand-defining work

Taste over data Founder intuition drives decisions

"Okay-to" reviews Leadership approves via video demos

Aim heavy Build 100-year solution, not A/B test winner

When to Apply

• Core product defining brand identity

• Long-term architectural decisions

• Work requiring deep technical integrity

Common Mistakes

• Demanding KPIs for every feature

• Letting A/B tests decide product direction

• Compromising architecture to ship faster

Source: Archie Abrams (Shopify VP Product & Growth) via Lenny's Podcast