For Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's data visualization tools, should we prioritize adding more complex analytical features or focus on improving user-friendliness for non-technical users?

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining for the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's (IHME) data visualization tools is whether to prioritize adding more complex analytical features or focus on improving user-friendliness for non-technical users. This decision is crucial for IHME's mission to provide accessible and actionable health data. I'll analyze this trade-off by considering user needs, technical feasibility, and strategic alignment.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on IHME's global impact, I'm thinking about the diversity of our user base. Could you provide more information about our current user segments and their technical proficiency levels?

Why it matters: Helps tailor features to user needs and capabilities Expected answer: Mix of researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals with varying technical skills Impact on approach: Would influence the balance between advanced features and user-friendliness

• Considering our funding model, I'm curious about the financial implications of this decision. How does our choice impact our sustainability and ability to secure future grants or partnerships?

Why it matters: Ensures alignment with financial goals and long-term viability Expected answer: Improved usability could attract more partners, while advanced features might secure specific high-value grants Impact on approach: Would help prioritize features based on financial sustainability

• Looking at our technical infrastructure, I'm wondering about the scalability of adding more complex analytical features. What are our current technical limitations or opportunities for expansion?

Why it matters: Determines feasibility and long-term technical strategy Expected answer: Some limitations in current architecture, but room for gradual expansion Impact on approach: Would influence the pace and scope of feature additions

• Considering our team composition, I'm thinking about our capacity to develop and support new features. What's our current team structure and bandwidth for this project?

Why it matters: Ensures realistic planning and resource allocation Expected answer: Limited team with expertise in both data analysis and UX design Impact on approach: Would help balance feature development with UX improvements based on team strengths

• Given the rapidly evolving field of health metrics, I'm curious about our timeline for implementation. How urgent is this decision, and are there any upcoming events or partnerships driving our timeline?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize short-term vs. long-term goals Expected answer: Moderate urgency, with potential for phased implementation Impact on approach: Would inform the scope and staging of feature rollouts