Should LTI prioritize adding new features to its learning management system or focus on improving existing functionality?

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining today is whether LTI should prioritize adding new features to its learning management system (LMS) or focus on improving existing functionality. This decision is crucial for LTI's product strategy and will impact user satisfaction, market competitiveness, and resource allocation. I'll analyze this trade-off by considering user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints to provide a data-driven recommendation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on the current market landscape, I'm thinking LTI might be facing increased competition. Could you share insights on our market position and how it's evolving?

Why it matters: Helps determine if new features or existing functionality improvements are more critical for maintaining or growing market share. Expected answer: LTI is facing new entrants with innovative features. Impact on approach: Would lean towards new feature development if true.

• Considering user feedback, I'm assuming we have data on pain points with existing features. Can you provide an overview of our most common user complaints or feature requests?

Why it matters: Identifies whether users are more frustrated with existing functionality or lacking new capabilities. Expected answer: Mix of both, with some critical existing features needing improvement. Impact on approach: Would help prioritize which existing features to focus on if we choose that direction.

• Looking at our development resources, I'm thinking we might have constraints. What's our current team capacity and any budgetary considerations for this project?

Why it matters: Determines the scope of what we can realistically accomplish. Expected answer: Limited resources, need to be strategic about allocation. Impact on approach: Might favor improving existing features if resources are tight.

• Considering our product roadmap, I'm curious about our timeline for this decision. Is there a specific market opportunity or deadline we're working towards?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize short-term vs. long-term product strategy. Expected answer: Aiming for major release in Q4 to coincide with academic year start. Impact on approach: Could influence whether we focus on quick wins or longer-term development.