# Ecosystem PRD Template

## 🌍 Ecosystem Vision
*"We're building a [ecosystem type] where [primary user] can [core value] while enabling [secondary users] to [derived value], creating a self-reinforcing network of [network effect]."*

## 🏗️ Ecosystem Architecture
### Core Platform (The Foundation)
- **Primary Service**: [Main product/service]
- **Data Layer**: [Information architecture]
- **API Infrastructure**: [Integration capabilities]
- **Security Framework**: [Trust and safety]

### Primary Users (The Foundation Species)
- **User Type A**: [Core users who create primary value]
- **User Type B**: [Users who consume and amplify value]
- **User Type C**: [Users who provide complementary services]

### Secondary Users (The Supporting Species)
- **Developers**: [Third-party integrations]
- **Partners**: [Business relationships]
- **Administrators**: [Platform management]

## 🔄 Network Effects Map
```
Primary Users (A) 
    ↓ Creates Value
Secondary Users (B)
    ↓ Consumes & Amplifies
More Primary Users (A)
    ↓ Network Effect
Ecosystem Growth
    ↓ New Use Cases
Expanded User Types
```

## 🎯 Value Exchange Matrix
| User Type | Gives | Receives | Network Effect |
|-----------|-------|----------|----------------|
| Type A | [Value provided] | [Value received] | [How it grows network] |
| Type B | [Value provided] | [Value received] | [How it grows network] |
| Type C | [Value provided] | [Value received] | [How it grows network] |

## 🌱 Growth Mechanisms
### Viral Loops
- **Loop 1**: [Primary user → Secondary user → More primary users]
- **Loop 2**: [Secondary user → New use case → Different user type]
- **Loop 3**: [Data accumulation → Better service → More users]

### Flywheel Effects
- **Data Flywheel**: [How data improves the product]
- **Network Flywheel**: [How users attract more users]
- **Quality Flywheel**: [How quality attracts better users]

## 🔧 Core Features (Ecosystem Services)
### Foundation Services
- **Service 1**: [Core functionality for primary users]
  - **Purpose**: [Why it exists]
  - **Network Effect**: [How it grows the ecosystem]
  - **Success Metrics**: [How to measure impact]

- **Service 2**: [Supporting functionality]
  - **Purpose**: [Why it exists]
  - **Network Effect**: [How it grows the ecosystem]
  - **Success Metrics**: [How to measure impact]

### Integration Layer
- **API Gateway**: [How others connect]
- **Webhook System**: [Real-time notifications]
- **SDK/Developer Tools**: [Easier integration]

## 📊 Ecosystem Metrics
### Network Health Indicators
- **User Diversity**: [Balance between user types]
- **Engagement Depth**: [How deeply users interact]
- **Value Exchange Rate**: [Efficiency of value transfer]

### Growth Indicators
- **Network Size**: [Total users across all types]
- **Connection Density**: [Interactions between users]
- **Value Creation**: [Total value generated]

### Sustainability Indicators
- **User Retention**: [Long-term engagement]
- **Value Distribution**: [Fairness across user types]
- **Ecosystem Stability**: [Resistance to disruption]

## 🚀 Launch Strategy
### Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)
- **Target**: [Initial user type]
- **Goal**: [Establish core value]
- **Success**: [Minimum viable network]

### Phase 2: Expansion (Months 4-6)
- **Target**: [Secondary user types]
- **Goal**: [Activate network effects]
- **Success**: [Self-sustaining growth]

### Phase 3: Ecosystem (Months 7-12)
- **Target**: [Full ecosystem]
- **Goal**: [Market leadership]
- **Success**: [Dominant platform]

## 🔗 Integration Strategy
### Partner Ecosystem
- **Strategic Partners**: [Key business relationships]
- **Technology Partners**: [Technical integrations]
- **Community Partners**: [User community building]

### Developer Ecosystem
- **API Strategy**: [How to enable developers]
- **Documentation**: [Developer resources]
- **Support System**: [Developer assistance]

## 🛡️ Ecosystem Governance
### Trust & Safety
- **Content Moderation**: [How to handle bad actors]
- **Quality Control**: [Maintaining standards]
- **Dispute Resolution**: [Handling conflicts]

### Platform Rules
- **User Guidelines**: [Acceptable behavior]
- **Data Policies**: [Privacy and security]
- **Revenue Sharing**: [How value is distributed]

## 📈 Success Criteria
### Network Effects Achievement
- [ ] Critical mass of primary users
- [ ] Active secondary user base
- [ ] Self-sustaining growth loops
- [ ] Positive network effects

### Ecosystem Health
- [ ] Balanced user distribution
- [ ] High engagement across user types
- [ ] Strong retention rates
- [ ] Positive value exchange

### Business Sustainability
- [ ] Profitable unit economics
- [ ] Scalable infrastructure
- [ ] Defensible market position
- [ ] Long-term competitive advantage

## 🔮 Future Ecosystem Vision
### Expansion Opportunities
- **New User Types**: [Potential additions]
- **Geographic Expansion**: [New markets]
- **Vertical Integration**: [Adjacent services]

### Platform Evolution
- **AI Integration**: [Intelligent features]
- **Blockchain Integration**: [Decentralized features]
- **IoT Integration**: [Physical world connection]

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*This template focuses on building interconnected systems where the value increases exponentially as more users join and interact.*
