How would you measure the success of Google Hangouts?

Introduction

Measuring the success of Google Hangouts requires a comprehensive approach that considers multiple stakeholders and various aspects of the product. To effectively evaluate Hangouts' performance, I'll follow a structured framework covering core metrics, supporting indicators, and risk factors while considering all key stakeholders.

Step 1

Product Context (5 minutes)

Google Hangouts is a communication platform that allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and participate in group chats. It's designed for both personal and professional use, integrating with other Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar.

Key stakeholders include:

1. End users (individuals and businesses)
2. Google (product team, leadership)
3. Advertisers
4. Third-party app developers

User flow:

1. Sign in with Google account
2. Create or join a conversation
3. Communicate via text, voice, or video
4. Share files or screen as needed
5. End conversation or leave it open for ongoing communication

Hangouts fits into Google's broader strategy of creating an integrated ecosystem of productivity and communication tools. It competes with platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp, offering a balance between personal and professional use cases.

In terms of product lifecycle, Hangouts is in the mature stage, with Google gradually shifting focus to newer products like Google Meet and Google Chat.