Defining and Calculating User Sessions

Requirements Clarification & Assessment

1. Objective Understanding:

   • Determine the average daily number of user sessions on a social media platform.
   • Clarify what constitutes a "session" for the company.

2. Defining a Session:

   • A session begins when a user interacts with the app (e.g., opens the app, views content).
   • A session ends when the user is inactive for a specified period (e.g., 5-10 minutes) or exits the app.
   • Consider different platforms (e.g., mobile, desktop) and transitions between them.

3. Data Availability:

   • Access to raw event data including user_id, create_ts (timestamp), event_type (e.g., view, click).
   • Ensure data includes necessary details to track user interactions and inactivity.

4. Clarifying Edge Cases:

   • How to handle sessions that span across midnight.
   • Sessions involving multiple devices or platforms.
   • Handling open tabs without active engagement.

5. Engagement Considerations:

   • Minimum engagement threshold (e.g., time spent, interactions like likes or comments).
   • Impact of background app usage on session definition.