How could Airtable's mobile app be enhanced for better on-the-go productivity?

Introduction

Enhancing Airtable's mobile app for better on-the-go productivity is a critical challenge that could significantly impact user satisfaction and market position. As we explore this opportunity, we'll need to consider the unique constraints and opportunities of mobile interfaces, user behavior patterns, and the core value proposition of Airtable. I'll approach this by first clarifying our understanding of the problem, then analyzing user segments and pain points, before proposing and evaluating solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

• Looking at Airtable's position as a flexible database and project management tool, I'm curious about the primary use cases for the mobile app. Could you share insights on how users typically interact with Airtable on mobile versus desktop?

Why it matters: This helps us focus on the most critical mobile-specific features and workflows. Expected answer: Mobile is primarily used for quick data entry, status updates, and viewing information on-the-go. Impact on approach: We'd prioritize streamlining data input and improving data visualization for small screens.

• Considering the diverse user base of Airtable, I'm wondering about the adoption rate and engagement levels of the mobile app compared to the desktop version. Do we have data on what percentage of our users are actively using the mobile app, and how frequently?

Why it matters: This information will help us understand the potential impact and prioritization of mobile improvements. Expected answer: Mobile adoption is around 40%, with daily active users at 20% of our total user base. Impact on approach: If adoption is low, we might focus on onboarding and feature parity. If it's high, we'd emphasize performance and advanced capabilities.

• Given Airtable's robust feature set, I'm curious about any specific user feedback or metrics indicating areas where the mobile app is falling short. Are there particular features or workflows that users find challenging on mobile?

Why it matters: This directs our attention to the most pressing pain points and opportunities for improvement. Expected answer: Users struggle with complex formula creation and have requested better support for file attachments and image handling on mobile. Impact on approach: We'd prioritize simplifying complex tasks and improving media management features for mobile.

• Considering the competitive landscape, how does Airtable's mobile app currently compare to alternatives in terms of functionality and user satisfaction? Are there any standout features from competitors that users frequently request?

Why it matters: This helps us identify potential areas for differentiation and improvement relative to the market. Expected answer: Our app is strong in data visualization but lags in offline capabilities and integration with mobile-specific features like camera and location services. Impact on approach: We might focus on leveraging unique mobile capabilities and improving offline functionality to stand out in the market.