Should dutchie prioritize expanding its product catalog or improving the user experience of its existing online ordering platform?

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining today is whether dutchie should prioritize expanding its product catalog or improving the user experience of its existing online ordering platform. This decision is crucial for dutchie's growth strategy and market position in the cannabis e-commerce space. I'll analyze this trade-off by considering the business context, user impact, technical feasibility, and resource allocation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Business Context: I'm thinking dutchie's revenue model might be based on transaction fees or subscriptions. Could you clarify how dutchie generates revenue and what percentage comes from the online ordering platform versus other services?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize the trade-off based on revenue impact Expected answer: Majority revenue from online ordering platform transactions Impact on approach: Would lean towards UX improvements if online ordering is the primary revenue driver

• User Impact: Based on the nature of the business, I assume there are two main user groups: dispensaries and end consumers. Can you confirm this and provide any insights into which group faces more pain points with the current platform?

Why it matters: Identifies which user segment to prioritize in our decision Expected answer: End consumers face more friction in the ordering process Impact on approach: Would focus on consumer-facing UX improvements if confirmed

• Technical Feasibility: I'm curious about the current architecture of the platform. Is it modular enough to allow for easy catalog expansion without significant backend changes?

Why it matters: Determines the effort required for catalog expansion Expected answer: Moderately flexible architecture with some limitations Impact on approach: Would influence the timeline and resources needed for catalog expansion

• Resource Allocation: Considering both options require different skill sets, can you give me an overview of the current team composition? Are we stronger in product development or UX design?

Why it matters: Helps assess internal capabilities for each option Expected answer: Balanced team with slight edge in product development Impact on approach: Might lean towards catalog expansion if product development is our strength

• Timeline Pressure: Are there any upcoming market events or competitor moves that are driving urgency for either of these initiatives?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize based on external factors Expected answer: Increasing competition in the space with improved UX offerings Impact on approach: Would prioritize UX improvements if competition is heating up on that front