Problem: While Dropbox Paper is rich with productivity features, it lacks the ability to perform tabular (cell-based, row/column) calculations, requiring customers to use an external application and often have their data cached outside of Dropbox.
Solution: Integrate basic arithmetic into Dropbox Paper's table feature, and explore developing a separate spreadsheet application.
- Integration idea: add math statements to Paper's tables, based on orientation from current cell or using a coordinate system.
- Orientation from current cell example, calculate using a value from one cell over from the LEFT(L):
- Orientation could be: Above (A), Below (B), Left (L), Right (R)
- Caffeine calculation for OZ value: =(L1*11.8)
| DATE | OZ | CAFFEINE |
| 08/14/23 | 25 | 295 |
- Coordinate system (traditional spreadsheet ColRow) example:
- C2 cell calculation: =(B2*11.8)
| | A | B | C |
| 1 | DATE | OZ | CAFFEINE |
| 2 | 08/14/23 | 25 | 295 |
- The syntax is similar with both, but the underlying approach is different based on Dropbox developer preference.
- Sum a column of cells:
- Orientation method: =(A10:A1)
- Coordinate method: =(C1:C10)
- Calculate various cells:
- Orientation method: =(L1*RA3)
- Coordinate method: =(C3*F15)
Comments: Developing, supporting, and growing a separate spreadsheet application is a large task and can be a slippery slope with scope creep, and create competition with existing partnerships. By beginning with adding basic arithmetic into Paper's table feature, Dropbox can benefit from monitoring usage and feedback to determine which spreadsheet functions should be prioritized for their customers. In the end, customers may only need more sophisticated Paper table features, and not a full-blown spreadsheet application.
Note: The orientation method seems overly complicated from a development and usage perspective, but I thought it might spark some other ideas or conversation in the comment section.
