Introduction
This blog post serves as a guide for product managers looking to excel in the demanding interview processes at FAANG companies, specifically focusing on how to approach a design problem creatively and systematically. The focus will be on the question, “You are a Chief Quality Officer for a hospital. What does your dashboard look like for a cancer research tool?”. Engaging with this question requires understanding user needs, data importance, and clear visualization strategies.
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
Choosing a Framework: Contextual Design Decision-making
The ideal framework in this scenario is the “Contextual Design Decision-making” method, which involves empathizing with users and considering the usage context to inform design decisions.
Applying the Contextual Design Decision-making
- User Research: Identify key user types, like oncologists, researchers, and administrative staff. Understand their goals, pain points, and how they will interact with the dashboard.
- Data Prioritization: For each user type, determine the most relevant data. This may include patient statistics, clinical trial results, and operational metrics.
- Visualization Strategies: Decide on the best way to visually represent the data (charts, graphs, tables) based on its nature and the users’ needs. Consider readability and accessibility.
- Interactivity: Allow users to filter and manipulate the data, providing control over what they see and how they see it, to tailor the experience to their specific needs.
- Usability Testing: Prototype the dashboard and conduct usability tests with actual users to collect feedback and iteratively refine the design.
Sample Answer for the Cancer Research Tool Dashboard
“In designing a dashboard for a hospital’s cancer research tool, we start with understanding the various users’ needs, from clinical oncologists to data analysts, ensuring the dashboard caters to each group appropriately. For clinicians, we’ll prioritize patient outcomes and trial statuses, using clear visual elements like progress bars or color-coded risk levels. Researchers might need in-depth data analysis features, with interactive graphs displaying genetic markers or drug efficacy rates. Usability testing will refine our design ensuring it’s intuitive and effective for all users.”
Tips for Effective Communication
Convey your design vision clearly, back it up with user research, and be prepared to discuss your rationale behind each element of the dashboard. Articulating the ‘why’ behind your decisions is as important as the ‘what’.
Conclusion
When addressing a design-centric product management question in a FAANG interview, it’s essential to demonstrate an empathetic understanding of users and a data-driven approach to design. Use frameworks like Contextual Design Decision-making to structure your response, reflect user needs, and revolve around data utility and visualization. With practice, you’ll be able to confidently discuss how to develop a dashboard that serves as a valuable tool in any given context.