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Chapter 2 · Aperture

Defining the Problem

The filter discovery problem and why it impacts engagement, retention, and revenue.

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The Problem

Despite having powerful and creative filters, many users were unaware of their existence or struggled to find them within the app.

This led to:

  • Lower engagement with core features
  • Decreased session frequency
  • Higher churn rates among active users

Evidence

  • 55% of users struggled with filter discovery and utilization
  • 36% drop in retention tied to low filter usage
  • 48% potential revenue risk as ad impressions declined
  • Users who used filters showed ~73% higher engagement

Why This Was a Business Problem

  • Filters increased engagement by ~73% when used
  • Overall retention dropped by 36%
  • Revenue risk increased as fewer engaged users meant fewer ad impressions

This was not a cosmetic design issue—it was a retention and monetization risk.

Problem Statement

How might we improve filter discovery so users can easily find and use creative tools, thereby increasing engagement and retention without disrupting the ad-based revenue model?