Introduction
Netflix's search functionality is a critical component of its user experience, directly impacting content discovery and viewer engagement. The reported issue of search filters not working for 35% of queries is a significant concern that requires immediate attention and a thorough root cause analysis.
In this analysis, we'll systematically investigate the potential causes, validate our hypotheses, and develop a comprehensive plan to address the issue. We'll consider technical, user behavior, and product-related factors while also examining potential external influences.
Framework overview
This analysis follows a structured approach covering issue identification, hypothesis generation, validation, and solution development.
Step 1
Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)
Why it matters: This helps determine if it's related to a recent change or a long-term trend. Expected answer: A sudden spike within the last week. Impact on approach: A sudden spike would focus our investigation on recent changes, while a gradual increase might indicate a systemic issue.
Why it matters: Ensures we're working with accurate data and not facing a measurement issue. Expected answer: Confirmation of reliable tracking systems. Impact on approach: If tracking is unreliable, we'd need to address data collection before proceeding with root cause analysis.
Why it matters: Helps narrow down potential technical or localization issues. Expected answer: The issue is more prevalent on mobile devices and in certain regions. Impact on approach: This would focus our investigation on mobile-specific issues or regional infrastructure.
Why it matters: Recent changes could be directly related to the filter issues. Expected answer: A minor update to the search UI was rolled out two weeks ago. Impact on approach: This would make us prioritize investigating the recent UI changes and their potential impact on filter functionality.
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