How did Kevin Systrom's previous work influence his approach to Instagram?

Kevin Systrom's previous work significantly influenced his approach to creating and developing Instagram. His experiences provided him with valuable insights and skills that shaped Instagram's design, functionality, and overall user experience. Here's how his background contributed:

1. **Experience with *Burbn***: Before Instagram, Systrom co-founded *"Burbn"*, a location-based check-in app. This project was instrumental in shaping his vision for Instagram. While Burbn itself didn't become a major success, it laid the groundwork for Instagram. Systrom and co-founder Mike Krieger recognized that the photo-sharing aspect of Burbn was particularly engaging and decided to focus on that element, leading to the creation of Instagram.

2. **Background in Design and Product Development**: Systrom's background includes work at Google, where he was involved in product management and had a strong focus on user experience and design. This experience helped him understand the importance of creating an intuitive and visually appealing interface, which became a cornerstone of Instagram's design.

3. **Understanding of Social Media Trends**: Systrom's familiarity with social media trends and user behavior informed his approach to Instagram. He observed how users interacted with social platforms and identified a gap in providing a simple, aesthetically focused way to share and discover photos. This understanding was crucial in developing Instagram's core features.

4. **User-Centric Design Philosophy**: Systrom's experience emphasized a user-centric approach to design and product development. He believed in creating products that were not only functional but also enjoyable and easy to use. This philosophy is evident in Instagram's clean design, straightforward navigation, and emphasis on visual content.

5. **Collaboration and Vision**: Systrom's ability to collaborate effectively with Krieger and other team members played a crucial role in Instagram's development. His vision for a photo-centric social network and his ability to articulate and refine that vision were key to shaping Instagram's direction and success.

6. **Focus on Quality and Innovation**: Kevin Systrom's commitment to quality and innovation was evident in Instagram's early features, such as filters and a streamlined user experience. His attention to detail and desire to continually improve the app helped establish Instagram as a leading platform in photo sharing and social media.

Overall, Kevin Systrom's previous work, particularly with Burbn and his experience at Google, provided him with the skills and insights necessary to create a highly successful platform like Instagram. His focus on design, user experience, and innovation was integral to Instagram's development and its impact on social media.