Microsoft·Product Manager·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Intermediate

IntermediatePrefer not to say

May 2026

Summary

Got a product sense question for what seemed like a PM role at Microsoft, just the one question about Instagram of all things. Short session, nothing too wild, but it made me think harder than I expected.

Questions Asked (1)

What features would you build to help Instagram users form better connections with each other?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct Strategy

Author's notes

I went straight to surface-level stuff like shared interest tags and better DM discovery, which felt thin the moment I said it out loud.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the goal: 'better connections' likely means deeper, more meaningful interactions rather than just more followers or likes. Then, segment Instagram users by connection type (close friends, acquaintances, communities) and prioritize features that address the biggest gaps, such as fostering reciprocity, reducing social anxiety, and enabling shared experiences.

Pro tip: Anchor your answer in Instagram's core strengths (visual storytelling, Stories, DMs) and avoid proposing features that would require a major platform shift. Instead, show how small, iterative changes can drive meaningful connection metrics like DM conversations per user or close-friend interactions.

1. Clarify the goal and scope

Define what 'better connections' means for Instagram: deeper relationships, more meaningful interactions, or increased engagement among existing ties. Ask clarifying questions about target users (e.g., creators, casual users) and success metrics.

2. Segment users and identify pain points

Break down users by relationship type (close friends, family, acquaintances, communities) and identify barriers to connection, such as social comparison, fear of judgment, or lack of shared context.

3. Brainstorm features aligned with Instagram's strengths

Generate ideas that leverage existing surfaces (Stories, DMs, Feed, Reels) and promote reciprocity, vulnerability, and shared activities. Consider features like collaborative Stories, prompt-based DMs, or private group challenges.

4. Prioritize features using impact and feasibility

Evaluate ideas against criteria like potential to increase meaningful interactions, technical complexity, and alignment with Instagram's brand. Use a simple 2x2 matrix (impact vs. effort) to select top candidates.

5. Define success metrics and test plan

Propose metrics such as number of DM conversations per user, close-friend interactions, or sentiment surveys. Outline a phased rollout with A/B testing to validate impact.

Key Points to Mention

Differentiate between weak ties (acquaintances) and strong ties (close friends) and tailor features accordingly.
Leverage Instagram's existing strengths: visual content, Stories, DMs, and ephemeral sharing.
Address social anxiety and comparison by designing features that reduce pressure (e.g., no public likes, private prompts).
Incorporate reciprocity: features that require mutual participation, like collaborative posts or shared challenges.
Consider community-building features for niche interests, such as group chats or topic-based Stories.
Define clear success metrics that go beyond vanity metrics (e.g., time spent, likes) to measure depth of connection.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.