For Trello's mobile app, should we optimize for faster performance or add more desktop-like functionality at the cost of app size and load times?

Introduction

For Trello's mobile app, we're facing a critical trade-off between optimizing for faster performance and adding more desktop-like functionality at the cost of app size and load times. This decision will significantly impact user experience, engagement, and potentially our market position in the productivity tools space.

To address this trade-off, I'll analyze the context, evaluate potential impacts, design an experiment, and provide a data-driven recommendation. My approach will consider both short-term user satisfaction and long-term product strategy.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm assuming Trello's mobile app is lagging behind the desktop version in terms of functionality. Could you confirm if this is causing user frustration or impacting our mobile user retention?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize user needs vs. performance Expected answer: Yes, we're seeing lower engagement on mobile Impact on approach: Would lean towards adding functionality if confirmed

• Business Context: Based on our revenue model, I'm thinking mobile users might be less likely to upgrade to paid plans. Can you share how mobile conversions compare to desktop?

Why it matters: Aligns decision with revenue goals Expected answer: Mobile conversions are lower Impact on approach: Might prioritize performance if it improves conversion rates

• User Impact: I'm assuming our power users are the ones most affected by limited mobile functionality. Can you confirm our user segments and their usage patterns on mobile vs. desktop?

Why it matters: Ensures we're addressing needs of key user segments Expected answer: Power users use both platforms but prefer desktop for complex tasks Impact on approach: Could lead to a hybrid solution targeting specific user segments

• Technical: Considering the potential performance hit, I'm curious about our current app architecture. Are we using a cross-platform framework like React Native, or is it native iOS/Android?

Why it matters: Affects feasibility and extent of potential optimizations Expected answer: Using React Native for cross-platform development Impact on approach: Might explore platform-specific optimizations if native

• Timeline: Given the potential impact on user experience, I'm wondering about the urgency of this decision. Is this tied to any specific product roadmap milestones or competitive pressures?

Why it matters: Helps balance short-term gains vs. long-term strategy Expected answer: Aiming for significant update in Q4 Impact on approach: Would influence the scope and timeline of our experiment