Product development

How to measure a feature’s success

Jesse Meijers

When you're building digital tools adding new features feels like progress. But not every feature adds real value. Measuring a feature’s success means looking at two things: value to the user and value to your business. Let’s break down what this means, and how you can evaluate your features more effectively.

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High usage doesn’t always mean high value

It’s tempting to think that if a feature is used often, it must be working well. But sometimes users interact with a feature not because they want to, but because they have to. That doesn't make it a success, it just means it’s necessary to complete a task.

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Example from one of our team’s past projects: we had built an order management screen with a sleek interface, full of editable fields and detailed views. On paper, it seemed intuitive and efficient. It had a near 100% usage rate—everyone used it.

But once we talked to users, we discovered something surprising: they didn’t like it.

They found it too complex and felt it didn’t match how they actually worked. We assumed our design was helpful, but it turned out to be more about our assumptions than their needs. So despite high usage, the feature lacked real user value. Eventually, we scrapped it and replaced it with a simpler solution. It wasn’t as elegant from our perspective, but customers liked it better and used it more willingly.

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Usage stats can be misleading. A successful feature adds value that users recognize and appreciate, not just tolerate.

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Balancing user value with business value

On the other side of the equation is your business. A feature might be well-liked, but does it help you reach your goals?

Does it drive revenue?

Does it reduce customer support needs?

Does it improve retention?

Is it something users are willing to pay for?

This is where internal metrics matter. If a feature aligns with what your customers value and it contributes positively to your business, then it’s likely a success.

A feature without this balance can become a cost center. It might require ongoing maintenance, training, or support without giving enough in return.

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Why honest feedback matters

As the order system example showed, the only way to know if users actually value a feature is to ask them. Conversations with users provide insight that usage data alone can’t. Interviews, surveys, or short feedback forms can reveal:

What users like (or dislike) about a feature

Whether it fits into their workflow

What alternatives they would prefer

Listening early and often helps you make informed decisions about which features to improve, which to highlight, and which to retire.

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A simple checklist for feature success

When evaluating a feature, ask:

Do users choose to use it, or are they forced to?

Do users say it helps them do their job better or faster?

Is it intuitive, or does it require lots of explanation?

Does it support your business goals (revenue, retention, or efficiency)?

Would your customers be upset if it was removed?

If the answer to most of these is "yes," you’re on the right track. If not, it may be time to revisit, redesign or retire.

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Final thoughts

In no-code development, it's fast and easy to build new features. That’s a strength, but also a risk. Without a clear way to measure success, you can end up with a bloated application full of features that don’t really serve users or your business.

The key is balance. Listen to users. Check the business impact. Don’t confuse high usage with high value. And be ready to let go of features that don’t pull their weight.

That’s how you build solutions people love, and that help your business grow.

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