Improved BBM Messenger: A Structured Approach

This blog post explores how to improve BBM Messenger, focusing on the challenges faced by candidates pursuing product management roles in top-tier tech companies like FAANG. We’ll answer the question: How would you improve BBM Messenger? using a structured approach based on the CIRCLES Method™.

CIRCLES Method™: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Comprehend:

Understand BBM Messenger’s current state, including its market position, target audience, and functionality.
Research its user base, demographics, and usage patterns.

2. Identify:

Analyze user pain points through surveys, reviews, and social media feedback.
Identify market trends and competitor strengths and weaknesses.
Analyze hypothetical user feedback and market data to pinpoint areas for improvement.

3. Report:

Communicate your findings on the current product state and market demands.
Create a comprehensive report outlining user needs, market trends, and competitor analysis.

4. Cut:

Prioritize ideas that address both user needs and business goals.
Discard less impactful features that don’t align with the overall strategy.

5. List:

Create a list of potential improvements, ranked by their potential impact and feasibility.
Consider features like end-to-end encryption, advanced multimedia sharing options, and improved group chat functionality.

6. Evaluate:

Assess each proposed improvement based on key metrics like user engagement, revenue, and market growth.
Use data and analytics to support your evaluation.

7. Summarize:

Distill your analysis and proposed solutions into a compelling summary.
Highlight the most critical improvements and their potential impact.

Hypothetical Examples:

User feedback suggests a desire for greater privacy and security features.
Competitive analysis shows that competitors offer advanced multimedia sharing options.
By applying the CIRCLES Method™, one might propose end-to-end encryption and a new set of engaging multimedia features as prioritized improvements.

Facts Checks:

Ensure your recommendations are practical by considering BBM Messenger’s technological capabilities and industry standards.

Communication Tips:

Effectively communicate your structured response, ensuring clear articulation and logical reasoning.
Use storytelling techniques to showcase user scenarios that would benefit from the proposed improvements.

Conclusion:

The key to a successful answer lies in systematically addressing the question using an established framework like CIRCLES Method™. This demonstrates your critical thinking and strategic abilities as a product manager. Practice applying frameworks to various product questions to master your interview technique.

By following this structured approach, you can develop a compelling and well-supported answer to the question of how to improve BBM Messenger.

Strategies to Enhance BBM Messenger as a Product Manager