It’s easy to feel lost when you want to build products people enjoy or find the next great idea. I understand these doubts, because many of us have wondered about them. I found some helpful answers by learning from Mike Krieger, Instagram’s co-founder.

He played a big part in changing social media for everyone. In this post, I’ll share simple lessons from him so you can use product thinking in your own tech journey. Keep reading for easy tips that really make a difference.

Key Takeaways

• Mike Krieger, co-founder of Instagram, learned about technology from his dad. He moved from Brazil to study in California. His major at Stanford University mixed computers with thinking and design.
• Krieger worked well with others who had different skills. This helped make Instagram successful. He thinks talking honestly with investors is very important for entrepreneurs.
• Building good products mixes art and science, according to Krieger. Spotting new tech that might become popular is key to making things people will use a lot.
• Early people using a new technology can show if it will catch on more widely later on.
• After Facebook bought Instagram, they let it grow its own way while sharing resources and tools. This helped both companies work better together.

Early Influences and Career Path

My dad introduced me to technology early, shaping how I think about problems and solutions. Moving from Brazil to California for college changed my life and opened new doors for learning.

Inspired by his father’s introduction to technology

At four years old, I saw my father bring home a computer. Watching him work on it made me curious about how it all worked. At that time in Brazil, few people knew much about technology or computers.

There was almost no tech industry in the country then.

Learning early from my father’s interest shaped my career path. Seeing what a single computer could do pushed me to explore more and want to learn everything about technology myself.

That curiosity did not stop there; soon, I wanted to study where tech was strong and growing fast, so the next step was moving from Brazil to California for education.

Transition from Brazil to California for education

I grew up in Brazil, surrounded by technology. My father showed me how it could shape lives and spark new ideas. I saw early on that passion for tech might become a real job, not just a hobby.

Moving from Brazil to California changed my life. I decided to commit to education and chase big dreams. At Stanford University, I picked Symbolic Systems as my major because it mixed computers, language, and thinking.

The cultural shift was huge but opened doors for learning and growth. That journey set the path for everything next in my career.

Majoring in Symbolic Systems at Stanford University

Moving from Brazil to California gave me a new start. At Stanford University, I chose Symbolic Systems as my major. This program mixed computer science, design, philosophy, and psychology.

I studied important ideas like cognitive science, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, linguistics, user experience, data science, and philosophy of mind.

My classes focused on how people make decisions and process information. We used computational modeling to test our ideas quickly through prototyping. Professors pushed us to work fast and learn from feedback at every step.

These skills shaped my approach as I moved forward in technology and product design.

Foundational Principles from Education

I learned the value of thinking through problems step by step and making quick, small tests early on. Working well with others, especially those who see things differently than I do, makes every project stronger.

Importance of design thinking and prototyping

Mike Krieger’s time at Stanford showed me how strong ideas can come from design thinking. I saw that it focuses on solving real problems for people. Instead of rushing to launch, I learned the value in rapid prototyping and getting feedback fast.

This process keeps user experience and creativity at the center. Prototyping helps me spot what works and what needs to change, which means fewer wasted hours on ideas that do not fit users.

Design thinking is also about being open to changes as new feedback comes in, so products keep improving each round. Problemsolving becomes much easier since building quick models lets teams see weak spots early.

It sets a culture of innovation and user-centered design right from day one, letting technology teams work smarter together. Complementary team dynamics play a big role in making this work well for everyone involved next.

Emphasis on complementary team dynamics

I saw the real value of complementary team dynamics during my partnership with Kevin Systrom at Instagram. Our different skills worked well together. My focus on product design and technology matched Kevin’s strength in vision and relationships.

This synergy made our work stronger, faster, and more creative. Success came from good cooperation, not just individual talent.

Building strong teams took effort too; I built lasting partnerships through open communication and mutual support. Over time, these working relationships helped solve hard problems quickly.

I learned that surrounding myself with people who had strengths I did not have led to better results for everyone involved. Choosing teamwork over solo efforts paid off in every big project I tackled after Stanford and beyond.

Product Development Insights

The launch of new mobile devices changed how people used phones, so I saw a fresh chance to create something special. Working with Kevin Systrom made me even more eager to craft a social app for the mobile world, which opened up new ways to connect.

Impact of the iPhone 3GS on mobile phone usage

In 2009, the iPhone 3GS changed how I used my mobile device. Before this phone, social media and mobile photography were rare for most people. The camera in the iPhone 3GS made it much easier to take and share photos right from a cell phone.

That single feature pulled me into using apps like Instagram once they came along.

App usage started to grow fast because phones felt quicker and images looked better on screen. Communication moved from just calls or texts to sharing moments online with friends through pictures and posts.

My smartphone became a tool for more than talking—it turned into a real communication device for creating and sharing experiences almost anywhere I went.

Excitement to build a mobile social experience with Kevin Systrom

The new camera on the iPhone 3GS changed how people used their phones. That shift sparked ideas for fresh ways to connect through technology. I saw a big chance to create something new with Kevin Systrom.

We both shared strong enthusiasm and wanted to work together in this area.

We talked often about building a mobile app that made social networking easy, fast, and fun right from your phone. Each discussion brought more inspiration and energy. The drive for innovation kept us moving forward with every small development step.

Partnering with Kevin pushed my creativity further; his passion matched mine at every turn as we turned our excitement into real progress in mobile app development.

Journey to Instagram

I started building simple social apps with Kevin Systrom, and we quickly realized the power of photos. Our early work led us to create Instagram, which changed how people share life online.

Evolution from Bourbon/Burbn to Instagram

Bourbon, or Burbn, started as a location-sharing app. I saw that people liked sharing photos more than checking in at places. Kevin Systrom and I watched how the iPhone 3GS changed mobile technology fast.

So, we pivoted to focus on an easy photo-sharing social media tool for mobile users.

We cut many features from Burbn and only kept what made connections simple and fun; this move led us to Instagram. Our goal was clear: help people share photos quickly with friends using their phones.

More users wanted strong yet simple ways to connect through images, so we shaped the new app around that need. This choice pushed our product into wider use across the digital world of social networking apps.

Pivotal decision-making moments

Getting my work visa was a crucial decision-making moment. It took four months, which felt like forever at the time. I faced the real risk of delay or denial, but this step was vital for starting our journey in California.

This experience taught me that patience and paperwork can shape big things.

A key realization hit during our days with Burbn. We saw that photo sharing and connectivity were the core concepts people loved most. That became an essential value and guided our next steps fast.

Focusing on these strengths led to a significant breakthrough and helped us build something much bigger for users.

Now, I’ll share how we turned these insights into Instagram’s growth story.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

I always share with new founders that honest talks with investors shape your next steps, even when the news isn’t what you hope for. There is real value in facing hard truths early, because it helps guide smarter choices down the road.

Importance of honest conversations with investors

I speak honestly with investors, even if the news is tough. I know transparency builds trust. If a project might fail, I say so early. This helps set clear expectations and keeps integrity in every discussion.

Entrepreneurs often feel pressure to keep going since they do not want to let investors down, but hiding problems can make things worse later.

Open communication means sharing both good updates and struggles. Being frank allows everyone to make smart choices based on facts, not hope. Reliable investor communications also help build long-term relationships; people value sincerity more than false promises or excuses.

From my experience, directness in these talks shapes future support from backers—especially when introducing new concepts like the blend of art and science in product thinking up next.

Acknowledgment of the possibility of venture failure

I accept that not all ventures succeed. Every entrepreneur faces the risk of business failure, and sometimes shutting down a project is the best option. I see this as part of building something real in technology.

Mike Krieger himself says it is important to admit this fact early on.

Setting concrete criteria helps guide tough choices. For example, I can set a deadline or make a list of key projects before deciding to close a venture. These steps help me come to terms with uncertainty and grasp the true challenges of entrepreneurship.

Discontinuing a failing venture does not equal defeat; it simply means I am moving forward with clear intent and honesty about what works and what does not.

Main Concepts of Product Thinking

I see product thinking as a mix of creativity and logic, which helps me shape solutions people want to use. To go deeper, I invite you to keep reading since new ideas can make products stand out in many ways.

The blend of art and science in building great products

Building great products mixes art with science. I use creativity and design skills to shape the look, feel, and user experience. At the same time, I rely on data, engineering know-how, market research, and problem-solving to make sure each product works well for customers.

For example, in 2009 and 2010, new technology like the iPhone 3GS changed how people used mobile phones; this wave of innovation inspired me to pair artistic thinking with technical skills.

Product development needs both sides working together. Art drives fresh ideas and user-focused design thinking. Science brings structure through testing models or measuring customer needs using surveys or feedback buttons like thumbs up or down.

This mix guides decisions about which technologies may gain broad adoption next—just as Instagram grew by responding fast to shifts in mobile tech and what people wanted from social platforms.

Identifying technologies for broader adoption

Spotting technologies ready for broader adoption is crucial. I focus on making products easy to use, so more people can enjoy them. If a tool feels simple and works well for many users, it has a much better chance of catching on fast.

Widespread adoption happens when technology becomes accessible and user-friendly for all kinds of people, not just experts.

I look at market potential, scalability, and how easily a product blends into daily life. For example, the launch of the iPhone 3GS changed how millions used mobile phones in 2009; this shift opened huge doors for new apps like Instagram to grow quickly.

Innovation matters, but integration into real lives drives true success. High adoption rates depend on good design and smart thinking about what makes people’s experiences better every day.

Indicators of Potential in Emerging Technologies

I look for signs that early users show strong interest in new tech, which often predicts wider success. I also track how each step forward in technology sparks new energy and makes big things possible.

Early adopter activity as an indicator of potential

Early adopter activity shows real energy and promise in new technology. I watch these pioneers closely, as their actions point to future trends and growth. For example, the burst of interest that followed the launch of the iPhone 3GS showed a high chance for innovation.

More people started to use mobile phones for social connections after that key upgrade.

The speed at which technology improves can also tell me if something will grow fast. Each leap from iPhone 3 to 3GS, then later to version 4, brought big gains in user experience and adoption rates.

Spotting this early movement helps me see where breakthroughs or advancements will come next in tech development and exploration.

Technological improvements from iPhone 3 to 3GS to 4

The jump from iPhone 3 to 3GS in 2009 made a huge difference. I saw faster processing power and better battery life. The speed upgrade helped apps run smoother and load screens quicker.

Apple also improved the camera’s quality, which mattered as more people used phones for photos. Video recording became possible on the iPhone 3GS, something not included before.

Moving to the iPhone 4 in 2010 changed things again. A new Retina Display showed much sharper images and text, making everything clearer for users like me. The camera got another boost with higher megapixels; front-facing cameras appeared too, so video calls grew popular.

With better connectivity and an improved operating system, this model pushed mobile device use forward fast. Improved app ecosystems meant I could do more each day—from sharing pictures on Instagram to messaging friends anywhere in seconds.

Example of Technological Evolution

I often see technology change fast, and one example is how Anthropic moved from Cloud 3 to Cloud 3.5. Each update brings better features and helps shape what we can build next, which keeps me excited for the future of new tools.

Anthropic’s development from Cloud 3 to Cloud 3.5

Anthropic’s jump from Cloud 3 to Cloud 3.5 shows a big step in software evolution. I see this as more than a small upgrade; it is a clear example of how fast cloud technology can grow with each new version.

The move brought major improvements in speed, accuracy, and the way digital infrastructure works for users and companies.

Cloud 3.5 pushed innovation by making services smoother, safer, and smarter compared to Cloud 3. This leap proves that constant progress in cloud-based solutions matters for anyone who builds or uses modern tools online.

Technological advancement like this shapes what we all expect from future software platforms and upgrades in cloud computing.

Instagram Acquisition Discussion

I watched Instagram become part of Facebook, and this was a huge shift for us as founders. I saw how Facebook let Instagram grow in its own way, giving space for new ideas to thrive, which kept our team excited about the future.

Instagram’s acquisition by Facebook

Instagram reached over 100 million users before Facebook made the acquisition deal in 2012. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, led this buyout as a way to support Instagram’s fast growth.

The purchase cost $1 billion and set big industry records at that time.

Facebook chose not to force Instagram onto its own systems or tools right away. Instead, they let Instagram keep its brand and team. This takeover allowed both companies to grow together while keeping what made each one special.

This partnership showed how two tech giants could join forces but still protect creative ideas and user trust during expansion and consolidation.

Facebook’s approach to maintaining Instagram’s growth

After Facebook acquired Instagram, the focus shifted to helping it grow without slowing its momentum. I saw Mark Zuckerberg’s team treat Instagram as a top social media partner on the open graph, not just another app in the group.

This meant giving access that other companies did not get.

Facebook let us work with their code directly, which made building new features much faster and easier. Their strategy was clear: support our growth but keep our startup spirit alive inside a big company.

We kept working like a small team while having access to powerful tools and data from Facebook. Sharing resources boosted integration between both products, so we could reach more users and expand at speed.

By prioritizing partnership over control, Facebook’s approach pushed us to build better features and stay ahead in social media expansion.

Cultural and Team Integration Post-Acquisition

I worked hard to keep our start-up spirit alive after we joined a bigger company, even though the culture was different. My focus stayed on team chemistry and hiring people who fit well with our goals, which made all the difference for success.

Maintaining a start-up culture within a larger company

Facebook kept the entrepreneurial spirit alive after acquiring Instagram, even with over a billion users. The company ran hackathons for everyone. Here, teams could pitch and test wild ideas in a short time, which encouraged creativity and innovation.

Kevin Systrom and I felt energized by this freedom to experiment. This culture pushed us to keep taking risks and stay flexible.

I saw firsthand how openmindedness helped people work together across different groups. Fast decisions made us agile and adaptable, much like a start-up team despite our size. Empowering teammates to share their thoughts brought out new solutions fast.

Strong collaboration helped talent grow stronger together rather than slowing down or getting lost in a bigger structure.

Importance of team dynamics and talent

Instagram had only 13 people before joining Facebook. Each person brought special skills, ideas for revenue, and a drive to work together. I saw how talent acquisition matters as much as team synergy; every member played many roles.

Low ego built team cohesion, while open team communication kept us moving fast.

I think crossfunctional teams with different backgrounds helped us stay creative and flexible. Good team leadership pushed our culture forward—everyone felt safe sharing views or challenging each other’s thinking.

Team integration worked because we focused on respect and clarity about our goals, even inside the bigger company after acquisition. Keeping that start-up feeling made it easier to grow the product—this all ties into why Artifact needed both great technology and a strong mix of people in its next phase.

Artifact Founding and Mission

I started Artifact with Kevin, combining our passion for new tech and strong design. We aimed to push boundaries by bringing smarter personalization to digital tools, sparking curiosity in every interaction.

Founding of Artifact by Mike Krieger and Kevin

In 2021, I helped start Artifact with Kevin. We wanted to blend strong product design and top-level machine learning. Our aim was simple: use artificial intelligence to improve how people discover news and stories.

As Instagram’s co-founder, I saw a chance to build something new for the tech industry.

We worked hard to focus on user experience from day one. Using data analysis, we shaped Artifact into a smart tool that learned what each person liked. The plan was clear—bring personalization technology not just in social media, but across many areas of daily life.

Starting this company let me apply key lessons from working at startups like Instagram while pushing innovation forward again with fresh eyes.

Focus on blending machine learning with good product design

After building Artifact with Kevin, I dug deep into blending machine learning and good product design. We wanted to use artificial intelligence in a way that made people’s experience better, not harder.

Our goal was more than just pushing new technology. I aimed for smooth user experiences that felt simple and human.

Artifact started by personalizing news and articles using smart data analysis and recommendation algorithms. The content matched what each person liked, connecting them to the huge world of information in a fresh and meaningful way.

By focusing on both personalization technology and clear design choices, we tried to set a new standard for how AI could improve daily life without losing sight of ease or trust.

Plans for personalization technology in various areas

Blending machine learning with strong product design opened new doors for me and Kevin at Artifact. I saw a real chance to push personalization technology beyond just news or social feeds.

We worked on ways to give people more customized choices in other areas, like shopping and local recommendations.

Artifact’s private beta lasted two years, which gave me time to test many features for better customized suggestions. I wanted each user to see products that fit their needs. Customization was key as we aimed to help people find what they wanted fast—be it personalized shopping experiences, localized tips, or targeted marketing strategies in different sectors.

My goal stayed the same: make every part of the experience feel personal and useful by using smart technology across all kinds of services.

General Strategy and Insights

I always try to spot new tech shifts early, so I can create products that people will find useful. Having a strong team helps me move fast and stay ready for any big changes in the market.

Anticipating future technological advancements for products

I track technology trends and watch for new innovations. This helps me spot emerging technologies early. By doing this, I make sure that products can evolve as the market changes. The iPhone 3GS launch shaped my thinking about mobile product development back in 2009, showing how one advancement can open many doors.

Preparing products to use future advancements is key for long-term success. Early attention to changes gives a strong competitive advantage and guides smart strategic planning. The shift from Bourbon to Instagram showed the value of adapting fast.

Keeping up with advancements like machine learning or improved device power keeps products ahead in both design and user experience.

Importance of a cohesive, versatile team

Spotting new tech trends early means having a unified team that can react fast. I saw in my work that starting small, with a focused product, gives teams the best chance to use their skills across many areas.

A flexible team moves quickly and solves problems from day one, whether it is design, coding, or talking with users.

I value hiring people who bring different strengths. An adaptable workforce lets us shift roles as our projects grow. This kind of agile group helped me at Instagram and later Artifact; we could test ideas faster than others because everyone worked together well.

The ability to coordinate tasks and switch gears made building products smoother for all of us. This is why having an integrated and collaborative team matters so much in technology today.

Lessons from Artifact’s Closure

I saw firsthand how critical it is to understand what users truly want and need. This experience shaped my approach, pushing me to improve how I listen and act on feedback—there’s more to learn about this journey in the next section.

Importance of capturing user intent and personalizing experiences

I learned that quickly capturing user intent is key for strong user engagement and retention. At Artifact, our personalization features only became helpful after someone read many articles.

This caused new users to lose interest fast, which hurt their experience and reduced user satisfaction. New readers often felt the app had little value at first; by the time content matched their interests, some already left.

Personalized content must feel relevant from the start. Understanding each user’s behavior early can boost customer experience and keep more people coming back. By tracking things like what stories they click on or how long they stay, I can better match future content to what matters most to them.

Fast and accurate personalization shapes a smoother user journey, stronger interaction, deeper feedback loops, and higher satisfaction through every step of using digital products today.

Strategic decision-making process for closing Artifact

To make the strategic decision to close Artifact, I sat down with a clear mind and wrote a full list of ideas we had not tried yet. I tested three big new changes in our product direction, hoping one would help change the company’s path but none worked.

After these attempts, it became clear that keeping Artifact open would not improve its business results or impact.

Deciding to shut down a product needs focus and honesty about what is working and what is not. Each step took real planning. My co-founder Kevin and I looked at user growth numbers, engagement data, and feedback from our team before making this call.

This approach shaped many lessons about company trajectory and how tough decisions can also teach valuable things about product development. Now comes the importance of feedback in guiding future products forward.

Importance of Feedback in Product Thinking

Feedback shapes how I improve each product, guiding my next steps with real user input. Every thumbs-up or down gives me a clear signal about what works and what needs to change, keeping the whole process honest and direct.

Role of user feedback in improving models

User feedback helps me spot where a model, like Claude at Anthropic, needs to grow. I look at every thumbs up and thumbs down that users give. This guidance lets me see trends in customer satisfaction and user experience right away.

Clear input from customers shapes how I adjust the product. It also tells me if people find value or if something is missing.

A product manager on our team spends hours each week sorting this information. We use real user input to judge performance and plan new updates for better product improvement. By listening with care, I make sure model evaluation links directly to what people really need from technology tools today.

Honest conversations with investors come next, shaping smart business moves for any founder or entrepreneur seeking success.

The use of thumbs up and down feedback for model enhancement

Giving a thumbs up or down is quick, but it shapes how models get better. I track every tap, and each one gives a clue about what works or fails in my product. For example, Anthropic checks this feedback before training new models.

They study all the thumbs up and down scores together to decide what features should stay or change for model refinement.

This feedback loop makes every user response count in data analysis. It helps me spot patterns fast, so I can improve user experience with each update. Thumbs help identify areas that need work for more personalized results and smooth product development.

Each bit of input guides iterative improvement and keeps performance on target during every round of evaluation and design changes.

Conclusion

Product thinking helped me shape Instagram and drive its success. I saw how good design, honest talks, and smart teams can turn ideas into strong products. Learning from both wins and setbacks made my skills better each step of the way.

This journey shows that simple choices, open minds, and great teamwork can lead to real growth in technology and business.

FAQs

1. What is the 30-Minute Masterclass on Leveraging Product Thinking for Success by Instagram’s Co-Founder about?

The masterclass focuses on how to use product thinking, a concept popularized by Instagram’s co-founder, to achieve success in business.

2. Who can benefit from this 30-minute masterclass?

Anyone interested in learning new strategies for business success can benefit from this class. It is especially helpful for those who are keen on understanding and implementing product thinking.

3. How does product thinking contribute to success according to the Instagram’s co-founder?

According to Instagram’s co-founder, product thinking involves focusing on customer needs and creating products that meet these needs effectively. This approach leads to better customer satisfaction and ultimately contributes to overall business success.

4. Is the information shared in the masterclass applicable only for social media businesses like Instagram?

No, not at all! The principles of product thinking as explained in the masterclass apply across various industries and businesses of different sizes.