Facebook: Analysis Based on Design Thinking Model. Introducing Business Model, Development, Mission, etc.

Before we start, I will introduce you basic information of Design Thinking Model, common yet crucial model for any type of business. It is composed of five phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. This step-by-step strategy allows entrepreneurs to investigate problems more closely and come up with the best solutions.

Facebook's mission centers on three key pillars: Connect Everyone, Understand the World, and Build the Knowledge Economy. By aiming to Connect Everyone, Facebook fosters meaningful relationships and seamless communication across the globe. Through Understand the World, it empowers users with access to diverse information and perspectives, enhancing awareness and empathy. Lastly, by focusing on Build the Knowledge Economy, Facebook supports learning and innovation, helping businesses and creators thrive. This approach enriches individual lives and contributes to a more interconnected society.

The "Empathize" phase contributed significantly as it allowed Facebook to deeply understand user needs and concerns, setting a strong foundation for subsequent phases.

In "Define" phase, the focus is on articulating the core challenges faced by Facebook. The first core problem statement is centered on enhancing user engagement while ensuring privacy. This highlights the need to balance the desire for increased interaction with growing concerns about data security. The second challenge addresses the necessity of retaining users on the platform amid rising competition. With numerous social media alternatives available, Facebook must innovate continuously to keep users engaged and loyal. To tackle these challenges, understanding user personas is essential. Typical users include casual users seeking connection, businesses looking for effective marketing tools, and advertisers aiming to reach targeted demographics. This critical analysis will guide the development of effective solutions.

Cross-department workshops involving engineering, marketing, and design teams foster diverse perspectives and creativity. From these sessions, or in "Ideate" part, several key ideas emerged, including the introduction of Stories and Reels to boost user engagement.

Facebook's design and product teams developed initial prototypes for Reels and Stories to encourage dynamic content sharing among users. Early wireframes and mockups illustrated how these features would integrate with existing platform elements, with Stories positioned at the top of the News Feed for easy access. Before entering the external testing phase, prototypes were reviewed and iterated upon based on feedback from internal stakeholders, ensuring that the concepts were user-friendly and aligned with the platform's goals. Beta testing was then conducted with select user groups, allowing Facebook to gather initial feedback on usability and engagement. During "Prototype" phase, user interactions were closely monitored, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data to understand how frequently users created Stories or Reels, their engagement rates, and any issues that arose.

In "Test" phase, the primary goal is to validate the features with real users and refine them before a broader application. Facebook conducted beta tests, which involves the collection of initial feedback on usability and engagement, for Stories and Reels with select user groups. During this testing period, Facebook actively monitored user interactions, gathering qualitative and quantitative data regarding how often users created Stories or Reels, their engagement rates, and any reported issues. This user feedback was crucial, as it informed iterative improvements to enhance the overall user experience.  In conclusion, the emphasis on user feedback during testing allowed Facebook to refine features based on real user experiences and data.

The Design Thinking Model was significant for Facebook as it structured the approach to identifying and addressing user challenges, leading to more relevant and effective solutions like Stories and Reels. For entrepreneurs today, the model fosters a culture of innovation and user-focused design, enabling them to create products that better meet market demands. This approach enables entrepreneurs to iterate quickly, test ideas, and refine products based on direct feedback, ensuring that their offerings are relevant and effective in the market.