## Introduction

Product management interviews at companies like Uber often include technical and strategic questions to assess a candidate’s ability to think critically about product features and improvements. A common question for a company like Uber might be, “**Create the algorithm for the ridesharing concept for Uber Pool. Explain the goals, logic, factors considered, and success metrics.**” This blog post will guide PMs on how to approach such questions, emphasizing methodology as instructed in *Decode and Conquer: Answers to Product Management Interviews*.

## Detailed Guide on Framework Application

### Picking the Right Framework

When addressing the algorithm design for ridesharing, the AARM (Algorithm – Audience – Revenue model – Metrics) framework from the book can be effectively utilized. This framework covers key aspects of algorithm-related questions.

### Step-by-Step Framework Application

To apply the AARM framework, we can proceed with the following steps:

• Algorithm: Break down the core logic and components of the ridesharing algorithm, such as route optimization, matching riders with similar paths, and ensuring timely pickups and drop-offs.
• Audience: Define the target user base for Uber Pool—riders who are cost-conscious and yet value convenience and time savings.
• Revenue Model: Discuss how your algorithm will contribute to Uber’s revenue, perhaps through increased ridership and reduced costs from ride optimization.
• Metrics: Identify the success metrics for your Uber Pool algorithm, including measures like user uptake, ride efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction.

### Hypothetical Examples and Facts Checks

As an example, the algorithm could take into account real-time traffic data and user-reported estimated times of arrivals (ETAs) to optimize shared routes. Although you might not have the specific numbers, it’s fair to assume fewer route deviations equal cost savings for Uber and lower prices for users. Ensuring that the algorithm can adapt to real-time conditions allows for more dynamic ridesharing capabilities.

When discussing revenue, you can hypothesize that by improving the rideshare experience, the algorithm could boost user retention by a certain percentage, which should align with known industry benchmarks for customer engagement and retention.

### Effective Communication During the Interview

Present your algorithm concept not just as a technical solution, but as a business and user experience improvement. Communicate effectively by pacing your response, making assumptions clear, and justifying them with logical reasoning. Connect the dots between each aspect of the AARM framework to present a cohesive strategy.

## Conclusion

Crafting an algorithm for Uber Pool presents complex technical and business challenges. By applying the AARM framework, you can provide a structured, strategic response that demonstrates your understanding of not just the algorithmic components but also the business and user impact. Highlighting clear logic, articulating the audience’s needs, considering the revenue implications, and defining the success metrics will round out your answer. Through practice and refinement, this approach will help aspiring PMs excel in interviews for roles that require both technical and strategic expertise.