Building an App for Sharing Updates with Close Friends: A Framework-Based Approach

Landing a product management role at a FAANG company requires exceptional interview skills and a knack for structured thinking. One common challenge candidates face is crafting compelling answers to product design questions. In this blog post, we’ll dissect the question, “Build an app to help share/get updates with only your close friends,” using a framework to showcase your strategic thinking and industry-standard knowledge.

A Framework for Product Design

For design-centric questions, the CIRCLES Method, introduced by Lewis C. Lin in “Decode and Conquer,” provides a structured approach that ensures thoroughness and clarity. The acronym stands for Comprehend, Identify, Report, Cut, List, Evaluate, and Summarize.

Step-by-Step Framework Application

1. Comprehend:

Ensure you fully understand the question. Ask clarifying questions to narrow down target users and establish a clear problem statement.

2. Identify:

Identify the users and their pain points. For our app, the users are individuals who want a secure and intimate method to share updates with their close friends.

3. Report:

Report the user needs based on the problem statement. Users require privacy, ease of sharing, and a way to manage their friend circle.

4. Cut:

Define the scope of the solution by cutting through less important features and focusing on what’s essential.

5. List:

Generate a list of potential features that could provide a solution. This might include end-to-end encryption, a simple interface for posting updates, and friend lists with customizable privacy settings.

6. Evaluate:

Evaluate these features against the user needs, the problem statement, and the business goals.

7. Summarize:

Present your final product concept, taking care to tie it back to the user needs you identified.

Hypothetical Examples

Let’s imagine that during your research, you discovered many users feel overwhelmed by public social networks and are seeking more privacy. Our app could therefore feature a “handshake” system where both parties must agree to share updates, emulating real-life friend interactions.

Fact Checks and Approximations

It’s often impossible to have all the data during an interview. However, we can approximate by using common knowledge. For example, it’s well known that privacy concerns are rising among social media users, which would support the need for our app.

Communication Tips

Clearly articulate each step of the framework, ensure your explanations show empathy with user needs, and demonstrate a business mindset when considering feature prioritization and potential monetization strategies.

Conclusion

Breaking down a complex product design question with a structured framework like CIRCLES can guide you towards a comprehensive and compelling answer. Remember to practice with various scenarios to sharpen your skills and confidently tackle any question a FAANG interview might throw your way.