If leading Instagram Shopping, would you add more product categories or improve existing category features?

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining today is whether to add more product categories to Instagram Shopping or improve existing category features. This decision is crucial for the platform's growth and user engagement. I'll analyze this trade-off by considering user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm assuming Instagram Shopping is a mature product with established categories. Is this correct, or are we in an earlier stage?

Why it matters: Influences whether we should focus on expansion or refinement Expected answer: Mature product with room for improvement Impact on approach: Would lean towards improving existing categories if mature

• Business Context: How does Instagram Shopping contribute to overall revenue? Is it a primary driver or supplementary?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize this decision against other business initiatives Expected answer: Significant revenue contributor, but not primary Impact on approach: Would balance improvements with potential new revenue streams

• User Impact: Which user segments are most active on Instagram Shopping? Are we seeing any shifts in demographics or behaviors?

Why it matters: Ensures we're addressing the needs of our core users Expected answer: Millennials and Gen Z, with increasing interest from older demographics Impact on approach: Would tailor improvements or expansions to these key segments

• Technical: What's our current backend capacity for handling new product categories?

Why it matters: Determines feasibility of expansion without compromising performance Expected answer: Scalable infrastructure with some limitations Impact on approach: Would influence the scope and timeline of potential category additions

• Resources: Do we have dedicated teams for category management and feature development?

Why it matters: Affects our ability to execute on either option effectively Expected answer: Separate teams, but with potential for collaboration Impact on approach: Would consider team structure in deciding between expansion or improvement