Innovating the Instagram Experience: Introducing ‘Close Friends’ Post Sharing

Designing Features that Resonate with Users: A Guide to Answering FAANG Interview Questions

As a product manager, designing features that resonate with users is a crucial responsibility. FAANG interviews often test your innovation aptitude through questions like: Create a new Instagram feature to allow users to share posts with their ‘Close Friends’ list. This blog post will guide you through answering this question effectively, utilizing frameworks and strategies from ‘Decode and Conquer: Answers to Product Management Interviews’.

Detailed Guide on Framework Application

The CIRCLES Method™ is an excellent framework for developing new features. It provides a systematic approach to feature ideation and its potential impact on the product and users.

1. Comprehend the Situation: Identify gaps or opportunities in the Instagram app that justify a new feature.
2. Identify the Customer: Determine which user segment will benefit the most from the ‘Close Friends’ sharing feature.
3. Report the Customer Need: Articulate the specific user needs addressed by this feature, such as improved privacy and selective sharing.
4. Cut Through the Clutter: Explain how this feature stands out from existing functions and competitors’ offerings.
5. List Solutions: Propose the feature’s functionality, design, and user flow.
6. Evaluate Tradeoffs: Consider the potential risks and benefits of implementing this feature.
7. Summarize Your Recommendation: Present a compelling case for why Instagram should roll out this feature.

Imagine a feature called “Stories for Close Friends,” which allows users to share content with a pre-selected group of followers. Apply the framework as follows:

1. Research shows that users are more engaged when sharing content with trusted circles rather than a broad audience, as privacy concerns are growing.
2. The primary customers are young adults who value intimate, meaningful connections over broader social visibility.
3. The customer need is to share content comfortably and securely within a restricted circle, enhancing personal interactions.
4. This feature sets itself apart by allowing more personal storytelling without the use of third-party apps or workarounds for privacy.
5. Propose a feature where users can add to their ‘Close Friends’ list and share exclusive stories with them via a simple toggle option. This feature integrates seamlessly with the existing interface.
6. Possible tradeoffs include user confusion with multiple sharing options and ensuring the ‘Close Friends’ list remains private and secure. The benefit is increased user satisfaction through enhanced control over privacy.
7. Conclude by emphasizing the strategic alignment with Instagram’s mission to bring people closer together while maintaining user trust through privacy-focused features.

Communication Tips:

• Highlight the research or data insights that drive your feature proposal.
• Detail the feature in a way that showcases your understanding of Instagram’s design ethos.
• Discuss the benefits and use clear, impactful language to express how the feature fits within Instagram’s broader objectives.
• Maintain a narrative that underlines user-centric design thinking throughout your answer.

Conclusion

Deploying the CIRCLES Method™ to answer feature-creation questions can showcase your product vision and user empathy. By adopting this structured approach in your interview preparation, you’ll demonstrate the innovative thinking and strategic planning that FAANG companies look for in top-tier product managers.