Introduction
Preparing for FAANG product management interviews involves explaining technical scenarios with clarity and confidence. One such scenario is understanding the difference in performance between various products. Here, we’ll unpack “Why is Gmail search slower than Google search?” through the lens of structured analytical thinking and frameworks that are instrumental in acing the PM interview.
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
To answer this question, we’ll utilize the 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis, which involves asking “why” multiple times until the underlying root cause is uncovered. Here’s a structural breakdown of how to apply it:
- First Why: Begin by assessing the apparent issue. Gmail search may be slower due to the difference in the nature of data being searched – personal emails versus the public web. Email data is unstructured and diverse.
- Second Why: Delve deeper into system design. Why is unstructured data slower to search? It requires more complex algorithms for indexing and retrieval compared to the structured data in Google search.
- Third Why: Evaluate the scale of data. Gmail has to search through a massive amount of personal data that’s private and not cached like public web pages, which may impact search speed.
- Fourth Why: Consider resource allocation. Why isn’t more computing power dedicated to Gmail search? Prioritization within the company may allocate more resources to Google search as it’s tied to revenue through ads.
- Fifth Why: Reflect on user expectations and patterns. Users often expect near-instant results from Google search because of repeated reinforcement of fast performance, whereas they might be more tolerant of slower searches within their private email.
When discussing your analysis, be careful to articulate your thought process, including assumptions. For instance, you can hypothesize about the scales of data and privacy requirements affecting search speed without having the precise figures.
Conclusion
The 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis provides a systematic approach to dissecting the reasons behind observed discrepancies in product performance. By utilizing this framework in your interview, you exhibit a methodical and logical problem-solving ability that is ideologically aligned with FAANG companies’ approach to product development. Remember, the key to success is practice, clarity, and the ability to think on your feet. Keep honing your skills and soon enough, you’ll be navigating product management interviews like a seasoned pro.