## Definition Quality of Life (QoL) improvements refer to small but meaningful tweaks to existing features that enhance usability, efficiency, or overall user satisfaction. These changes do not introduce entirely new functionality but rather refine what already exists, making the product smoother and more pleasant to use. >[!idea] > QoL improvements are to usability and design what paying [[technical debt]] is to maintaining a healthy codebase—both refine and enhance without adding new functionality ## Characteristics - **Incremental**: QoL changes are minor refinements rather than fully new features. - **User-Centric**: Focused on improving the daily experience of users without altering core functionality. - **Efficiency-Driven**: Reduces friction in workflows, making interactions more intuitive and seamless. - **Low-Cost, High-Value**: Small development efforts that, when done right, yield significant user satisfaction. ### Differentiating Types of QoL Changes There is a fine line between a minor QoL change, a significant QoL improvement that enhances an existing feature, and a fully new feature that introduces a new job to be done. Proper assessment helps ensure the right prioritization approach. ## QoL vs. Other Product Priorities >[!Tip] > When comparing QoL improvements to new features, prioritize customer impact vs. strategic alignment. If a small tweak greatly improves usability, it’s often worth it. But if a new feature drives long-term growth, it may take precedence. Test, measure, and decide. QoL improvements often compete with other priorities such as: - **Feature Development**: Building entirely new functionality that generates direct business value. - **Bug Fixing**: Resolving critical issues that impair product stability. - **Technical Debt Reduction**: Addressing underlying system inefficiencies to improve maintainability. - **Risk Mitigation**: Ensuring security, compliance, or system integrity. Prioritizing QoL over these concerns can lead to misallocated resources, especially when development capacity is limited. Additionally, modifying existing features for usability gains can introduce [[unintended consequences]] or new bugs. --- ## Expanding QoL Beyond Technology The concept of QoL improvements extends beyond software and technology. Other domains where it applies include: - **Personal Productivity**: Small workflow optimizations, better tool integrations, or refining habits to improve efficiency. - **Habit Formation**: Incremental habit tweaks that enhance adherence to positive behaviors. - **Urban Design**: Small changes in public infrastructure, like pedestrian-friendly pathways or ergonomic seating, that enhance the daily experience of citizens. ## Questions for Further Exploration - How to balance QoL improvements with feature development in a resource-constrained environment? - Can QoL improvements drive retention and engagement as effectively as new features? - What are common usability debt indicators that suggest the need for QoL improvements?