Introduction
Product management aspirants aiming for roles in top tech companies need to demonstrate their ability to innovate and cater to niche markets. A question that addresses this skill is: “The CEO of your company asks you to design a new ATM for their Airport segment, what do you do?” Let’s explore how to answer this product design question with finesse.
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
Choosing the Right Framework
For design-based questions, the CIRCLES Method™ is effective. This method helps break down the process into manageable segments, following a user-centered approach.
Step-by-Step Framework Application
Using the CIRCLES Method™, here’s how you might approach the ATM design question:
- Comprehend Situation: Begin by understanding the context of ‘Airports’ and ‘ATMs’ and the unique needs that arise at the intersection of these two.
- Identify Customers: Specify who the customers are (travelers, airport staff, etc.) and elucidate their needs.
- Report User Needs: Highlight key functions needed, such as multiple currency dispense, language options, rapid transactions, etc.
- Cut Through Prioritization: Clearly prioritize which features are most critical based on user needs and business objectives.
- List Solutions: Brainstorm and list down possible design solutions that address these priorities.
- Evaluate Trade-offs: Discuss potential trade-offs for each solution, considering constraints such as space, time, and costs.
- Summarize Recommendations: Conclude with a summary of your recommended solution and next steps for prototyping and testing.
Hypothetical Example
For instance, to design an ATM for airport users, you might identify that the primary customers are international travelers who need access to multiple currencies (Identify Customers). They might prioritize speed to avoid missing flights, language options for convenience, and security features due to the high-traffic public setting (Report User Needs). Your recommendation may include a multi-currency ATM with a user-friendly interface providing instructions in several languages, and advanced security features (List Solutions & Summarize Recommendations).
Thinking on Your Feet
You may not know the ins and outs of ATM design or airport operations. However, you can draw parallels from known user interfaces and public service designs, innovating based on available insights and logical reasoning.
Communication Tips
Articulate your design process and reasoning in a way that is insightful yet accessible. You want to show that you can think from both a user’s perspective and a strategic business angle.
Conclusion
Expounding on a specialized product design such as an ATM for airport users demonstrates your innovative thinking and user-centric design skills. Using the CIRCLES Method™ ensures that your answer is structured and considers the multifaceted aspects of the product’s environment. Practice tailoring this approach to different products and settings to showcase your versatility and depth as a product management candidate.