Managing Features with The CRT Answer Framework

We have a decision framework at MemberDev that we use in our own business and with clients we coach. This framework aims to help you decide on what features to build or include in your membership site.

The framework takes 3 core inputs (below), which can be resolved by answering simple questions.

1) Customer UX

Is the feature good for your customer experience?

2) Revenue

Does the feature create or drive revenue?

3) Time Savings

Does the feature save you time as a business?

Here’s a diagram showing how to evaluate the relationships.

This diagram/framework makes it easy to decide on what features to tackle. Here’s the formula –

• If a feature lands in the center of the diagram, meaning it answers “yes” to all three questions, then it’s a no brainer. You should always do these features immediately.
• If a features answers “yes” to two of the three questions, it’s something you should probably prioritize.
• If a feature answers “yes” to one of the three questions, it’s something you should do WHEN the business is focused on that circle. For example, add revenue features if you’re struggling to drive cash flow. Or take on time saving features when cash flow is strong and your team is fatigued from intense work cycles.

The framework is the easy part. Using it effectively is the key.

To elaborate on that – most features won’t fall into the center, so it’s your job to decide when to tackle the items that check one or two circles. There will likely always be requests for customers… and most businesses can generally always benefit from more revenue. So again, the power of the framework comes from knowing when to work on which features.

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