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*