How to Ace Your FAANG Product Management Interview: Mastering the “Right Number of Photos” Question

## Introduction

Product management interviews at FAANG companies often involve questions that test your ability to make data-driven decisions and optimize product features. One such question that frequently appears is: **”What is the right number of photos to show in Facebook’s Newsfeed?”** This seemingly simple question is designed to evaluate your ability to balance user engagement with a seamless user experience using a structured problem-solving approach.

## Detailed Guide on Framework Application

To tackle this question effectively, we’ll utilize the CIRCLES Method™, which stands for Comprehend, Identify, Report, Cut, List, Evaluate, and Summarize. This method helps break down complex problems into manageable, analytical steps.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the CIRCLES Method™

### Step 1: Comprehend

Start by fully understanding the interview question. Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions. For instance, inquire about the specific goals for optimizing the number of photos, such as increasing engagement or ad revenue.

### Step 2: Identify

Identify the user segments that may be affected by this change. You might segment users by their activity level, geographic location, or age group.

### Step 3: Report

Report the user needs based on your identified segments. For example, “Active users may want a more immersive experience with more photos, while casual users might prefer a cleaner, less cluttered feed.”

### Step 4: Cut

Cut through the clutter and prioritize the objectives. “Considering Facebook’s broad user base, a balanced approach that caters to both active and casual users is essential.”

### Step 5: List

List potential solutions or options. Discuss various scenarios like dynamic photo counts based on user engagement levels, or a standard increment that is tested and validated.

### Step 6: Evaluate

Evaluate your listed options based on data and user research. For example, “Our A/B testing could reveal that showing 20% more photos for highly engaged users increases time spent on the Newsfeed without overwhelming casual users.”

### Step 7: Summarize

Summarize your recommendation based on your evaluation. “To align with the objectives of user engagement and positive experience, I recommend a dynamic approach where the number of photos is tailored to user segments based on their behavior.”

## Fact Checks and Approximations

Utilize industry benchmarks as a starting point for your metrics, being cautious with assumptions. For example, if the average user engagement time is 20 minutes, ensure your recommendations aim to enhance this metric without disrupting user satisfaction.

## Effective Communication Tips

Articulate your thoughts clearly and logically. Keep your analysis user-centric, and link your recommendation to how it drives key business objectives such as engagement and revenue.

## Conclusion

By employing the CIRCLES Method™, you can produce a comprehensive, well-reasoned answer to complex interview questions like determining the number of photos on Facebook’s Newsfeed. Keep your user and business objectives at the forefront of your analysis and communicate your reasoning effectively. Practice makes perfect, so iterate on this approach as part of your interview preparation!