I went straight to the feature list and the interviewer kind of just waited.
Start by clarifying the goal and scope, then segment users and identify a high-value use case. Structure your answer by defining the problem, proposing a solution, and outlining success metrics, while emphasizing trust and safety as core to the product.
Pro tip: Anchor your solution in Facebook's existing strengths like Groups and Marketplace to leverage network effects and reduce friction, and proactively address trust and safety concerns with concrete mechanisms like reputation scores and insurance.
Ask clarifying questions to understand the goal (e.g., increase engagement, monetization) and constraints (e.g., target users, item categories). Define the problem statement clearly.
Identify key user segments (e.g., urban vs. rural, homeowners vs. renters) and their pain points around borrowing/lending. Prioritize a segment with high willingness to share and frequent need.
Propose a product solution that integrates with Facebook's ecosystem (e.g., Groups, Marketplace, Messenger). Outline core features: listing items, search/discovery, request/approval flow, scheduling, and payment/deposit handling.
Detail mechanisms to build trust: profiles, ratings/reviews, verification, insurance, and dispute resolution. Leverage Facebook's social graph for accountability.
Define success metrics (e.g., number of transactions, active lenders/borrowers, repeat usage) and a plan for MVP testing and iteration based on feedback.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.