How would you define the success of The Economist's audio version of articles?

Introduction

Defining the success of The Economist's audio version of articles requires a comprehensive approach that considers multiple stakeholders and metrics. To address this product success metrics challenge, I'll follow a structured framework covering core metrics, supporting indicators, and risk factors while considering all key stakeholders.

Step 1

Product Context

The Economist's audio version of articles is a digital product that transforms written content into spoken word format, allowing subscribers to consume The Economist's in-depth analysis and reporting through audio. This feature caters to busy professionals and news enthusiasts who prefer to listen to content while multitasking or during their commute.

Key stakeholders include:

• Subscribers: Seeking convenient access to high-quality journalism
• The Economist: Aiming to increase engagement and retain subscribers
• Advertisers: Interested in reaching an engaged audience
• Content creators: Journalists and editors adapting their work for audio consumption

User flow:

1. Subscriber opens The Economist app and navigates to the audio section
2. They browse available audio articles or search for specific topics
3. User selects an article and begins playback, with options to pause, skip, or adjust playback speed
4. Upon completion, they can easily move to the next article or return to the browsing interface

This audio feature aligns with The Economist's broader strategy of digital transformation and content accessibility. It competes with other news outlets offering audio content, such as the New York Times' audio app and NPR's news podcasts, but differentiates itself through The Economist's unique editorial voice and global perspective.

In terms of product lifecycle, the audio version is likely in the growth stage, with potential for further expansion and refinement of features.