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Technique: Create derived metrics (signals) that reveal system behavior more clearly than raw measurements.

Signals help transform raw observations into interpretable indicators.

A good dataset for this module:

  • contains multiple related measurements
  • allows ratios, averages, or rates to be calculated

Example Systems

Website Traffic

Possible fields:

  • requests
  • errors
  • total_latency_ms

Possible signals:

  • error_rate = errors / requests
  • avg_latency = total_latency_ms / requests

Questions to explore:

  • Which signals best indicate system health?
  • Are raw counts or derived signals easier to interpret?

Retail Sales

Possible fields:

  • units_sold
  • revenue
  • customers

Possible signals:

  • revenue_per_customer
  • units_per_customer

Questions to explore:

  • What signals indicate strong or weak performance?
  • Which signals help compare days with different traffic levels?

Fitness Tracker Data

Possible fields:

  • steps
  • active_minutes
  • calories

Possible signals:

  • calories_per_minute
  • steps_per_minute

Questions to explore:

  • Which signals reveal intensity of activity?
  • Do derived metrics change how behavior appears?

Environmental Monitoring

Possible fields:

  • temperature
  • humidity
  • wind_speed

Possible signals:

  • temperature_change_rate
  • comfort_index

Questions to explore:

  • What signals help interpret environmental conditions?
  • Are some signals easier to interpret than raw values?