Form Factor Audit
Choose the smallest form factor that maximizes user pull, workflow fit, and automation leverage.
Purpose
Evaluate which form factors (mobile, Slack app, GitHub app, browser extension) would materially benefit an application, then recommend a prioritized path.
Assessment Criteria by Form Factor
Score each criterion 0-3 using the rubric below.
Mobile
- Offline needs: meaningful value without network.
- Push notifications: time-sensitive or habit loops.
- Device features: camera, GPS, biometrics, sensors.
- Gesture UI: fast capture, swipes, or mobile-first ergonomics.
Slack App
- Team notifications: shared awareness beats email.
- Commands: slash commands or quick actions reduce context switching.
- Workflows: multi-step team flows run inside Slack.
- Approval flows: clear yes/no decisions in-channel.
GitHub App
- PR automation: status checks, labeling, backports, or merges.
- Issue management: triage, routing, or synchronization with other systems.
- Code review: review assignment, summaries, or policy enforcement.
Browser Extension
- Page augmentation: UI overlays, side panels, or inline helpers.
- Productivity: reduce copy/paste and tab churn.
- Data extraction: scrape, structure, or export on-page data.
Scoring Rubric (0-3)
Use the same scale for every criterion.
- 0: Not relevant. No real user value.
- 1: Weak signal. Occasional value, not core.
- 2: Strong signal. Regular value in key flows.
- 3: Critical. Core to product success or differentiation.
Output Format
Return prioritized recommendations with short rationale and complexity estimates.
Complexity scale:
- Low: narrow surface, few integrations, low risk.
- Medium: multiple surfaces or integrations, moderate risk.
- High: deep integrations, policy/compliance risk, or heavy UX lift.
Recommended structure:
# Form Factor Audit — <App Name>
## Scores
- Mobile: <total>/12
- Slack: <total>/12
- GitHub: <total>/9
- Browser Extension: <total>/9
## Recommendations (Priority Order)
1. <Form Factor> — Complexity: <Low|Medium|High>
Rationale: <2-3 short statements tied to high-scoring criteria>
First slice: <smallest shippable surface>
2. ...
## Notes and Risks
- <key dependency, constraint, or open question>Example Audit Output
# Form Factor Audit — PR Triage Assistant
## Scores
- Mobile: 2/12
- Slack: 10/12
- GitHub: 8/9
- Browser Extension: 3/9
## Recommendations (Priority Order)
1. GitHub App — Complexity: Medium
Rationale:
PR automation is core (3/3). Code review support is core (3/3). Issue management useful but secondary (2/3).
First slice: status check + auto-label + reviewer suggestion bot.
2. Slack App — Complexity: Medium
Rationale:
Team notifications high leverage (3/3). Approval flows strong fit (3/3).
First slice: daily digest + approve/deny buttons for risky PRs.
## Notes and Risks
- Needs GitHub App permissions design early.
- Slack notifications must be configurable to avoid spam.Decision Tree (Text Flowchart)
Start
|
+-- Does value depend on code, PRs, or issues?
| |
| +-- Yes --> GitHub App likely primary.
| |
| +-- No --> continue
|
+-- Does value depend on team coordination or approvals?
| |
| +-- Yes --> Slack App likely primary.
| |
| +-- No --> continue
|
+-- Does value depend on web pages users already visit?
| |
| +-- Yes --> Browser Extension likely primary.
| |
| +-- No --> continue
|
+-- Does value depend on mobile context, push, offline, or sensors?
|
+-- Yes --> Mobile likely primary.
|
+-- No --> Prefer web app first; revisit after traction.