If leading WhatsApp Web, would you add file sharing capabilities or focus on improving chat performance?

Introduction

The trade-off we're considering for WhatsApp Web is whether to add file sharing capabilities or focus on improving chat performance. This decision involves balancing new feature development against core functionality enhancement. I'll analyze this trade-off by examining user needs, technical considerations, and business implications to determine the best path forward for WhatsApp Web.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm assuming WhatsApp Web is facing performance issues. Could you provide more details on the current chat performance metrics and user complaints?

Why it matters: Helps quantify the problem and prioritize improvements Expected answer: Specific metrics like message delivery time, sync delays Impact: Would influence the urgency of performance improvements

• Business Context: How does WhatsApp Web contribute to overall WhatsApp revenue and user engagement?

Why it matters: Aligns solution with business objectives Expected answer: Significant contributor to daily active users, indirect revenue impact Impact: Would affect resource allocation and prioritization

• User Impact: What percentage of WhatsApp users regularly use WhatsApp Web, and for what primary purposes?

Why it matters: Identifies key use cases and user segments Expected answer: 30-40% of users, primarily for work-related communication Impact: Would guide feature prioritization based on user needs

• Technical: What are the current technical limitations preventing file sharing on WhatsApp Web?

Why it matters: Assesses feasibility and potential challenges Expected answer: Security concerns, bandwidth limitations, or browser restrictions Impact: Would influence the complexity and timeline of implementing file sharing

• Resources: What's our current team capacity and budget allocation for WhatsApp Web improvements?

Why it matters: Determines scope of possible solutions Expected answer: Limited resources due to focus on mobile app Impact: Would affect the scale and timeline of potential improvements