## Dream Big: Answering the “What Product Would You Build?” Interview Question

This guide will help you answer the “If you could build any product, what would you build?” interview question, often encountered in FAANG product management interviews. This question delves into your passion, creativity, and ability to identify market needs. To respond effectively, use frameworks like the CIRCLES Method™ to structure your ideas into a compelling vision.

Choosing a Framework

The CIRCLES Method™, developed by Lewis C. Lin in “Decode and Conquer,” is ideal for brainstorming and articulating product ideas. It ensures you cover all essential aspects of a hypothetical product.

Applying the CIRCLES Method™ Step-by-Step

1. Comprehend:

Understand the question’s scope. In this case, there are no restrictions; your vision and choice are being assessed.

2. Identify:

Identify your product’s customer. For this example, let’s say the customer is individuals in emerging markets seeking quality education.

3. Report:

Report the customer needs. In emerging markets, there’s a need for accessible, affordable, and engaging education platforms that provide lifelong learning and improve employability.

4. Cut through (Prioritize):

Prioritize needs according to impact. Affordability and accessibility might be the top priorities in emerging markets.

5. List Solutions:

List your solutions. An app utilizing AI to provide personalized learning experiences at a low cost could be the central feature of our product.

6. Evaluate Trade-offs:

Evaluate trade-offs for each solution. While AI personalization is powerful, internet connectivity requirements might be a limitation for some users in target markets.

7. Summarize:

Summarize your solution with a compelling narrative. Emphasize societal impact, scalability, and user benefits.

Fact Checks and Assumptions

Familiarize yourself with current trends in educational technology. You might cite that mobile penetration in emerging markets is on the rise, offering a substantial user base for an education app.

Communication Tips

Clearly articulate each part of the CIRCLES Method™, inviting dialogue at each step. Use storytelling to make your idea resonate and illustrate your product’s potential impact on the world.

Conclusion

By answering “If you could build any product, what would you build?” with the CIRCLES Method™, you showcase your vision, values, and understanding of potential market needs. Practicing with this method not only helps you prepare for product interviews but also sharpens your product ideation and development skills. Remember, interviewers are looking for more than just an idea; they’re looking for a potential PM who can think strategically and has a genuine, passionate vision that aligns with the organization’s interests and goals.