Instagram algorithmic feed (2016): did it need fixing?

They Fixed It / Meta (Instagram)

2016

Meta (Instagram)

Before: Instagram showed posts from people you follow, newest first.
The fix: Switched the main feed to an algorithm that ranks posts instead of listing them by time.
Then: In March 2022 Instagram added Following and Favorites feeds in chronological order. The ranked Home feed stayed the default.

Half took it back

Chronological feed is back, one tap away, never the default.

Your call

More fixes nobody asked for

2016

Mondelez

Before: Toblerone: a bar of evenly spaced chocolate triangles.
The fix: In the UK, removed two peaks and widened the gaps, making bars about 10% lighter for the same price.
Then: British shoppers noticed immediately. Mondelez later admitted the new shape had not been 'a perfect long-term answer.'

Took it back

Original shape back in 2018, in a bigger 200g bar.

Your call

2021

Tesla

Before: Tesla Model S and Model X with a round steering wheel.
The fix: Made a rectangular, open-topped 'yoke' the standard steering wheel.
Then: In 2023 Tesla started selling a $700 round-wheel retrofit for yoke owners. It reportedly sold out in about a week.

Half took it back

A round wheel became available again in 2023, as an option and a retrofit.

Your call

2011

Netflix

Before: Netflix: DVDs by mail and streaming, one account, one website.
The fix: Split the plans with a price hike, then said DVDs would move to a separate site called Qwikster.
Then: Netflix lost 800,000 US subscribers that quarter. Reed Hastings killed Qwikster on October 10, 2011, about three weeks after announcing it.

Took it back

Qwikster never launched. The price increase stayed.

Your call