Should Snap prioritize adding new features or improving existing core functionalities?

Introduction

The trade-off between adding new features and improving existing core functionalities is a critical decision for Snap's product strategy. This scenario involves balancing innovation with optimization, user acquisition with retention, and short-term gains with long-term sustainability. I'll analyze this trade-off by examining Snap's current product landscape, user needs, and business objectives to provide a strategic recommendation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on recent market trends, I'm thinking Snap might be facing increased competition. Could you share insights on our current market position and how it's influencing our product strategy?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize between differentiation (new features) or consolidation (core improvements) Expected answer: Fierce competition, need to differentiate Impact on approach: Would lean towards new features if differentiation is critical

• Considering our user metrics, I'm assuming we might be seeing changes in user engagement patterns. Can you provide context on our recent user retention and daily active user trends?

Why it matters: Indicates whether we need to focus on acquiring new users or retaining existing ones Expected answer: Slight decline in retention, stable DAU Impact on approach: Would prioritize core functionality improvements if retention is declining

• Looking at our technical infrastructure, I'm thinking about scalability. How robust is our current architecture to support potential new features without compromising performance?

Why it matters: Determines feasibility and resource allocation for new features vs. optimizations Expected answer: Architecture can support moderate new features, some technical debt Impact on approach: Might need to balance new features with core improvements to manage technical debt

• Considering our product roadmap, I'm curious about our upcoming releases. Are there any major launches or partnerships on the horizon that might influence this decision?

Why it matters: Aligns decision with broader product strategy and potential synergies Expected answer: AR partnership launching in Q3 Impact on approach: Could prioritize new AR-related features if aligned with partnership

• Regarding our team structure, I'm wondering about our current capacity. How are our engineering and product teams currently allocated between new development and maintenance?

Why it matters: Assesses feasibility of pursuing either option given current resources Expected answer: 70% new development, 30% maintenance Impact on approach: Might need to reallocate resources if focusing on core improvements