How would you define the success of College Board's BigFuture college planning tool?

Introduction

Defining the success of College Board's BigFuture college planning tool requires a comprehensive approach to product success metrics. This digital platform aims to guide students through the complex college planning process, making it a critical tool in the education technology landscape. To effectively evaluate BigFuture's performance, we'll employ a structured framework that encompasses core metrics, supporting indicators, and risk factors while considering all key stakeholders involved in the college planning journey.

Step 1

Product Context

BigFuture is a comprehensive online platform designed to help high school students navigate the college planning and application process. It offers features such as college search, scholarship matching, career exploration, and personalized action plans.

Key stakeholders include:

1. Students: Seeking guidance and resources for college planning
2. Parents: Supporting their children's college aspirations
3. High school counselors: Assisting students with college preparation
4. Colleges and universities: Seeking to attract qualified applicants
5. College Board: Aiming to support its mission and generate revenue

User flow:

1. Students create an account and complete a profile
2. They explore colleges, majors, and careers based on their interests and preferences
3. The platform provides personalized recommendations and action steps
4. Students can track their progress and access resources throughout their journey

BigFuture aligns with College Board's broader strategy of providing comprehensive support for students throughout their academic careers, complementing other offerings like SAT and AP programs.

Competitors include Naviance, Cappex, and Common App, but BigFuture differentiates itself through its integration with other College Board services and its extensive database of colleges and scholarships.

Product Lifecycle Stage: BigFuture is in the growth stage, continuously expanding its features and user base as college planning becomes increasingly digital and competitive.