Google Maps in South Korea: Choosing the Right Local Vendor

## Introduction

Welcome to this section of our blog tailored for aspiring product managers aiming to ace FAANG interviews. Today, we’ll dissect a common scenario you might encounter: a decision-making question concerning the selection of a local vendor. Our focus is on a scenario critical for product managers, especially when launching products in new geographic markets. We’ll uncover how to best tackle the question: “Imagine Google Maps wants to launch in South Korea and needs to decide between three local vendors providing map data, which one should we choose?”

## Detailed Guide on Framework Application

### Choosing the Right Framework

For a decision-making question like this, a framework that encourages structured comparison is beneficial. While the CIRCLES Method™ from Lewis C. Lin’s ‘Decode and Conquer’ offers a systematic approach to product design questions, a tailored **Comparative Analysis Framework** might be more suitable for our vendor selection scenario.

### Applying the Comparative Analysis Framework Step by Step

1. **Criteria Establishment:** Define the criteria important for the vendor selection. These might include data accuracy, update frequency, coverage area, local insights, cost, and partnership perks. Ensure these criteria align with Google Maps’ strategic goals and user needs in the South Korean market.
2. **Gathering Information:** Collect baseline data on each vendor. While you may not have the exact figures, approximate understandings can suffice for the interview, such as a vendor’s market presence or reputation for accuracy.
3. **Weighting Factors:** Assign weights to your criteria based on their importance. For Google Maps, data accuracy and coverage area might be given more weight compared to cost, given the company’s focus on providing a reliable and comprehensive service.
4. **Comparative Evaluation:** Evaluate each vendor against the criteria using a scoring system. For instance, rate each vendor’s data accuracy from 1 to 5, where 5 is the best score. Apply the weights to these scores to prioritize the criteria accurately.
5. **Consensus and Risks:** Consider the need for consensus among stakeholders and identify any potential risks such as vendor stability or compliance with local data protection laws.
6. **Make a Decision:** Using the weighted scores, make a decision on which vendor aligns best with your criteria. This approach should highlight a clear winner or necessitate a deeper dive where scores are very close.
7. **Justification:** Be ready to justify your choice. Explain why the chosen vendor stands out and how their strengths align with Google Maps’ strategic goals.

### Hypothetical Example

Imagine Vendor A has the best data accuracy but is the most expensive, Vendor B has frequent updates but lower coverage, and Vendor C boasts unique local insights but has a less established track record. After applying the Comparative Analysis Framework, it turns out that Vendor A scores the highest due to the weighted importance of data accuracy and despite the higher cost, making it the preferred choice.

### Facts Check

While exact data may not be available during an interview, using known information such as South Korea’s highly digital society and the known challenges of mapping in dense urban environments can inform your reasoning and show that your thought process is grounded in reality.

### Effective Communication Tips

When communicating your decision, be concise and logical. Summarize the process you used, focusing on key criteria and how they align with the company’s values and product goals. Emphasize the due diligence conducted and the implications of your decision for user satisfaction and product success.

## Conclusion

Choosing the right local vendor for a product like Google Maps is a complex but crucial decision. By utilizing a Comparative Analysis Framework, you can systematically evaluate vendors and make an informed decision while effectively communicating your thought process. Practice applying this framework to various scenarios to sharpen your decision-making skills for your product management interviews.