How can IOHK address the declining user engagement metrics for its Marlowe smart contract language tools?

Introduction

Addressing the declining user engagement metrics for IOHK's Marlowe smart contract language tools requires a systematic approach to identify and resolve the root cause. As we delve into this analysis, we'll examine various factors that could be contributing to this issue, from technical aspects to user behavior and external influences.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might be a recent change in the Marlowe ecosystem. Has there been any significant update or feature release in the past 3-6 months?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with engagement shifts. Expected answer: Yes, a major update was released 4 months ago. Impact on approach: If true, we'd focus on post-update user experience and potential bugs.

• Considering user segments, I'm curious about the distribution of the decline. Is the engagement drop uniform across all user types, or is it more pronounced in specific segments?

Why it matters: Helps pinpoint whether the issue is global or segment-specific. Expected answer: The decline is more significant among novice users. Impact on approach: If true, we'd prioritize onboarding and educational resources.

• Thinking about the competitive landscape, have there been any notable changes in alternative smart contract platforms recently?

Why it matters: External factors could be drawing users away. Expected answer: A competitor launched a similar tool with a simpler interface. Impact on approach: If true, we'd focus on UX improvements and differentiation.

• Regarding the metric itself, has there been any change in how user engagement is measured or tracked for Marlowe tools?

Why it matters: Ensures we're comparing apples to apples in our analysis. Expected answer: No changes in measurement methodology. Impact on approach: If changed, we'd need to reassess the validity of the decline.