I jumped straight into features and kind of forgot I was supposed to be designing this inside Facebook specifically, not just a generic Yelp clone.
Start by clarifying the goal and scope of the restaurant finder app within Facebook, then structure your answer around user needs, Facebook's unique strengths (social graph, data, platform), and a phased product strategy. Focus on how the app leverages social connections and integrates with existing Facebook features to create a differentiated experience.
Pro tip: Emphasize how the app can leverage Facebook's social graph to provide personalized recommendations from friends and groups, which is a key differentiator from other restaurant finder apps. Also, consider monetization opportunities through local ads and partnerships.
Ask clarifying questions to understand the objective: Is this a standalone app or a feature within Facebook? What platforms? What are success metrics? This ensures alignment with interviewer expectations.
Define target users (e.g., Facebook users looking for restaurant recommendations) and their pain points (e.g., discovering new places, trusting reviews). Segment users by intent (e.g., quick bite vs. special occasion).
Outline how Facebook's social graph, user data, and existing features (Groups, Events, Marketplace, Stories) can be used to create a differentiated experience, such as friend recommendations and social proof.
Propose key features: personalized recommendations, search/filters, friend reviews, integration with Facebook Events/Places, and possibly reservations. Prioritize for an MVP and outline a phased roadmap.
Define success metrics (e.g., DAU, engagement, reservations), monetization strategies (ads, partnerships), and potential risks (privacy, competition) with mitigation plans.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.