Should Diligent prioritize adding new features to its board management software or focus on improving the user interface for existing functionality?

Introduction

The trade-off between adding new features to Diligent's board management software and improving the user interface for existing functionality is a critical decision that will shape the product's future direction. This scenario involves balancing innovation with user experience enhancement, both of which are essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the board management software market. I'll approach this analysis by examining the current product landscape, user needs, and business objectives to determine the most strategic path forward.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm thinking about the current market position of Diligent. Could you provide insights into our market share and primary competitors?

Why it matters: Helps assess whether feature addition or UI improvement is more critical for competitiveness. Expected answer: Strong market position with 2-3 main competitors. Impact: If market leader, UI focus might be more beneficial; if catching up, new features could be crucial.

• Business Context: Based on our revenue model, I assume we operate on a subscription basis. How does our pricing structure align with different feature sets?

Why it matters: Determines if new features could justify price increases or attract higher-tier subscribers. Expected answer: Tiered pricing based on feature access and board size. Impact: New features could drive upsells if they align with higher-tier offerings.

• User Impact: Considering our user base, what feedback have we received regarding feature requests versus usability improvements?

Why it matters: Directly informs which direction would most satisfy current users and potentially attract new ones. Expected answer: Mixed feedback, with power users requesting features and occasional users struggling with UI. Impact: Balanced approach might be necessary, or focus on the segment with higher growth potential.

• Technical: How modular is our current architecture? Does it allow for easy feature additions without disrupting the existing UI?

Why it matters: Assesses the technical feasibility and potential risks of each option. Expected answer: Moderately modular, but some legacy code exists. Impact: If highly modular, feature addition might be less risky; if not, UI improvements could be more straightforward.

• Resource: What's our current team composition in terms of product development versus UX/UI specialists?

Why it matters: Helps understand our capacity to execute on either option effectively. Expected answer: Balanced team with slight lean towards development. Impact: Team composition might influence which option we can execute more quickly and effectively.