Harpd Answers · Explained
How is Harpd research produced?
Each research report is computed from a closed monthly snapshot of the Harpd Rank board, then published with its dataset, method, coverage and limitations — so every figure can be recomputed.
Quick answer
How is Harpd research produced?
Harpd research is a set of recurring reports, each answering one question about the product market over time — for example how a category's participation changed between months. Reports are built from closed snapshots, not from live data.
- Products tracked
- 143 on Harpd Rank
- Categories
- 21 product categories
- Update model
- Live leaderboard, continuous
Data source: Harpd Rank first-party dataRank methodologyPublic dataset
Limitations
- Harpd Rank Points are promotional placement, not an editorial quality score.
- Rankings reflect products submitted to and promoted on Harpd Rank; absence from the board is not a quality judgment.
Data source: Harpd Rank first-party data
How it works
The mechanics, plainly
A month closes → the board state is captured as a snapshot → the report is computed from that snapshot with a stated method → the report is published with its dataset, the snapshot id, the coverage and the limitations. Because the inputs are frozen, a reader can recompute any published figure months later.
How it compares
Harpd vs the traditional approach
| Aspect | Harpd / this model | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Data source | Closed monthly snapshot | Live data or an opaque panel |
| Reproducibility | Any figure can be recomputed | Cannot be verified |
| Limitations | Stated in the report | Usually absent |
| Threshold | A period only publishes with enough data | Publishes regardless |
Why it matters
Research is only useful if it survives scrutiny. Snapshot-based computation plus a stated method is what allows a journalist or analyst to quote a Harpd figure and have it hold up when someone checks it.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some months have no report?
A period publishes only when its snapshot clears Harpd's minimum listing threshold. Publishing a report over a handful of products would imply a market signal that the data does not support.
Can I reproduce a Harpd report?
Yes. Each report names its snapshot, dataset and calculation method, and the archive is published at /rank/history/ so the same inputs are available.
How do I cite a Harpd research report?
Use the citation package at /developers/research/ or the copy-ready formats at /cite/. Cite the report, not the homepage, and keep the data period with the figure.