Lyft: Improving Transportation for Patients
This guide will help you develop a product tailored to improve transportation for patients, a field with significant social impact and business opportunities.
Understanding the Need
Step 1: Comprehend the Need
Start by understanding the challenges patients face with transportation. Is it accessibility, reliability, cost, or something else? Research and empathize with patient needs to ensure your product addresses the right problem.
Step 2: Identify the User
Pinpoint the patient demographic that would most benefit from improved transportation services. Consider individuals with chronic conditions, mobility impairments, or those living in healthcare deserts.
Step 3: Report the User’s Needs
Collate and prioritize the patient’s transportation needs. Accessibility features, scheduling flexibility, and integration with healthcare providers could be top requirements.
Step 4: Cut through Priorities
Determine which needs are ‘must-haves’ versus ‘nice-to-haves.’ Focus on those that will have the greatest impact and align with Lyft’s capabilities and business strategy.
Potential Solutions
Step 5: List Solutions
Brainstorm a range of potential solutions. For Lyft, this might include:
- Collaborations with healthcare providers
- A dedicated app section for scheduling rides to appointments
- A subscription service for regular treatments
Step 6: Evaluate Trade-offs
For each solution, assess feasibility, cost, and potential impact. Understand and communicate the trade-offs to find a balance between user value and business sustainability.
Product Vision and Monetization
Step 7: Summarize Recommendations
Compile your findings and recommendations into a coherent product vision. Explain how this product aligns with Lyft’s mission and how it will be monetized, whether through:
- Direct user fees
- Partnerships with healthcare institutions
- Insurance integration
Step 8: Communication Tips
Keep your responses customer-centric and business-aware. Being able to pivot between empathizing with user needs and articulating business rationale is key. Practice delivering clear, concise recommendations that show depth and breadth of thought.
Conclusion
By leveraging the CIRCLES Method, you can structure a robust response to product design questions, critical for interviews at organizations like FAANG. By covering all aspects from user needs to monetization strategies, you prove your capability as a versatile product manager. As you prepare, use this method consistently across different scenarios to build a holistic approach to product design questions.