What caused the sudden 30% decrease in API integration requests for Deposit Solutions's Open Banking product last week?

Introduction

The sudden 30% decrease in API integration requests for Deposit Solutions's Open Banking product last week is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. This analysis will systematically identify, validate, and address the root cause while considering both short-term and long-term implications for our product and business.

I'll approach this problem by first clarifying key details, ruling out external factors, and then diving deep into our product, metrics, and potential internal causes. We'll generate data-driven hypotheses, conduct root cause analysis, and develop a comprehensive plan to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking this could be related to a recent product update. Have there been any significant changes to the API or related systems in the past two weeks?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance issues. Expected answer: Yes, there was a minor API version update. Impact on approach: If yes, we'll focus on change management and rollback procedures.

• Considering the scale of the decrease, I'm wondering about our largest integrators. Has there been any change in usage patterns from our top 5 API consumers?

Why it matters: Large integrators can significantly impact overall metrics. Expected answer: One major integrator has reduced their API calls. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'll prioritize engagement with key accounts.

• Given the nature of Open Banking, I'm curious about regulatory changes. Have there been any new compliance requirements or deadlines in the past month?

Why it matters: Regulatory changes can force rapid adjustments in integration patterns. Expected answer: No significant regulatory changes recently. Impact on approach: If no, we'll focus more on internal factors and market dynamics.

• Thinking about system health, I'm concerned about potential infrastructure issues. Have we observed any unusual patterns in API response times or error rates?

Why it matters: Performance degradation can lead to reduced usage. Expected answer: Some intermittent latency spikes were reported. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'll prioritize technical investigation and optimization.