Why has the average time spent on CB Insights's Company Search page decreased by 20% in the last two weeks?

Introduction

The recent 20% decrease in average time spent on CB Insights's Company Search page over the past two weeks is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. This analysis will systematically investigate potential root causes, generate data-driven hypotheses, and propose actionable solutions to address this critical product issue.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might have been a recent product update. Has there been any significant change to the Company Search page in the last month?

Why it matters: Recent changes could directly impact user behavior. Expected answer: Yes, a new filter system was implemented. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd focus on the new feature's usability and performance.

• Considering user segments, I'm curious about the distribution of this decrease. Is the 20% drop consistent across all user types, or is it more pronounced in specific segments?

Why it matters: Helps identify if the issue is universal or segment-specific. Expected answer: The decrease is more significant among enterprise users. Impact on approach: We'd prioritize investigating enterprise-specific features or use cases.

• Given the metric specificity, I'm wondering about the definition of "time spent." Has there been any change in how this metric is calculated or tracked in the last month?

Why it matters: Ensures we're comparing apples to apples in our analysis. Expected answer: No changes in metric definition or tracking. Impact on approach: If changed, we'd need to reassess the validity of the comparison.

• Thinking about external factors, have there been any significant changes in the competitive landscape or market conditions that might influence user behavior?

Why it matters: External factors could be driving the change independently of product issues. Expected answer: No major external shifts noted. Impact on approach: If external factors are at play, we'd need to consider broader market strategies.