Design analytics for a new-market launch

DoorDash is expanding into a new city. For three phases—pre-launch (readiness), soft launch (limited zones/hours), and full ramp—specify the success metrics and guardrails. For each phase: (a) give 3–5 core metrics with exact definitions (units, numerator/denominator, time window), (b) separate leading indicators from outcome metrics, (c) propose guardrail thresholds that would trigger a rollback or hiring freeze. Next, design a geo A/B or staggered rollout to estimate causal effects on orders and ETAs, handling seasonality, matched-control selection, spillovers across adjacent zones, novelty effects, and minimum-detectable-effect assumptions. State the decision rules you would present to leadership for proceeding or holding after two weeks.

Overview: This question tests a data scientist's skills in product analytics and causal inference, centered on metric definition, guardrail setting, and experimental rollout design for a new-market launch.