What features could Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation add to its COVID-19 projections tool to make it more user-friendly for policymakers?

Introduction

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's COVID-19 projections tool is a critical resource for policymakers navigating the pandemic. Our task is to enhance its user-friendliness, focusing on features that will make it more accessible and actionable for decision-makers. I'll approach this by understanding our users, identifying pain points, and proposing targeted solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions

• Looking at the product context, I'm thinking about the primary use cases for policymakers. Could you help me understand the key decisions they're making based on this tool?

Why it matters: Determines which features to prioritize for maximum impact Expected answer: Resource allocation, restriction implementation, and reopening timelines Impact on approach: Would focus on features supporting these specific decision types

• Considering user behavior, I'm curious about how policymakers typically interact with the tool. Are they primarily using it for quick data checks, or are they spending significant time analyzing trends?

Why it matters: Influences the depth and complexity of features we might add Expected answer: Mix of both, with a tendency towards quick checks Impact on approach: Would balance between at-a-glance insights and detailed analysis features

• Regarding pain points, I'm wondering about the current feedback from policymakers. What are the most common complaints or feature requests you're hearing?

Why it matters: Directly informs our prioritization of improvements Expected answer: Difficulty interpreting complex data, need for more localized projections Impact on approach: Would focus on data visualization and granular filtering options

• Thinking about the product lifecycle, where would you say we are in terms of adoption among policymakers? Are we still in growth mode or focusing on retention?

Why it matters: Helps determine if we should prioritize onboarding features or advanced capabilities Expected answer: Mature adoption, focusing on retention and deepening engagement Impact on approach: Would lean towards advanced features and customization options