Redesigning Everyday Objects: A Guide to Mastering FAANG Interviews
Product managers must possess the ability to critically analyze and redesign everyday items. FAANG interviews often include exercises that require candidates to demonstrate their design thinking prowess. This guide will equip you with a framework to transform the mundane into the innovative.
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
Choosing a Suitable Framework
We will utilize the DESIGN Methodology, inspired by ‘Decode and Conquer,’ specifically tailored for product redesign. DESIGN stands for Define, Explore, Synthesize, Ideate, Gauge, and Narrate.
Step-by-Step Framework Application
- Define: Clearly articulate the object’s purpose. For example, a desk lamp’s primary role is to provide illumination for tasks.
- Explore: Delve into existing problems with desk lamps. Perhaps they often have limited adjustability or consume too much power.
- Synthesize: Consolidate your findings to focus on key areas for improvement, such as energy efficiency and flexibility of use.
- Ideate: Propose innovative solutions like using LED technology for efficiency and a flexible neck design for better adjustability.
- Gauge: Estimate the impact of these changes on user experience and marketability. Consider environmental benefits, as this can influence consumer preference.
- Narrate: Build a compelling story around the redesigned product, emphasizing its benefits and the problems it solves.
Hypothetical Application Examples
Imagine your redesigned desk lamp can save users an average of 30% on their energy bills, and the flexible neck allows for a greater range of motion, catering to various user activities – reading, crafting, or computer work.
Data Checks and Approximations
Evaluate market trends in energy-saving appliances and ergonomic design prevalence to vet your redesign’s relevance and potential success.
Communication Tips
When discussing your redesign, be passionate and articulate the ‘why’ behind each change. Use storytelling to create a vivid picture of the product’s impact on users’ lives.
Conclusion
Redesigning everyday objects presents an opportunity to innovate and elevate user experiences. Through the DESIGN Methodology, product managers can systematically dissect and reimagine products, crucial for excelling in FAANG interviews. Practice with various objects and iteratively refine your redesign process.