Solve a YouTube Case Study with Spotify's Product Manager & Business Analyst

Summary

In this video, Lillian, a business strategy and operations manager at Spotify, and Rodolfo, a senior product manager, discuss how to approach solving case study problems in tech interviews, using a classic example: YouTube Premium's 5% subscriber decline. They walk through frameworks like SCAMPER, tree diagrams, and the double diamond approach to problem-solving. The duo emphasizes understanding the 'why' behind the problem, aligning with team priorities, and using data-driven decision-making. They also highlight the importance of effective communication with interviewers and team collaboration, offering insights into brainstorming solutions and prioritizing the best course of action.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting with 'why' is crucial when tackling a problem to determine its importance and relevance.
• 😀 Tree diagrams help break down complex problems into simpler, binary decisions, aiding faster problem identification and focus.
• 😀 In interviews, always clarify the problem and assumptions to ensure alignment before diving into the solution.
• 😀 Data should confirm the direction in your analysis, not lead the way. Build a framework first, and use data to validate it.
• 😀 Don't overcomplicate things. Start with the simplest possible solution or framework, and refine as you go.
• 😀 The SCAMPER framework and tree diagrams are tools for product managers and analysts to analyze and break down problems logically.
• 😀 In an interview, it’s acceptable to take a moment to think through your response before presenting your solution.
• 😀 A good problem-solving process includes validating the assumptions through conversation with your interviewer or team.
• 😀 The Double Diamond framework is effective for defining problems and finding solutions. The first diamond is about problem definition, and the second focuses on solution exploration.
• 😀 Brainstorming methods like 'crazy eights' help generate creative solutions quickly, with prioritization following to narrow down the ideas.
• 😀 In real-world product management, collaboration with your team, including data scientists and engineers, is key to successful problem-solving and implementing solutions.

Q & A

What is the main problem presented in the case study for the interview?

The main problem is that YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. have decreased by 5% over the last six months, and the interviewee is tasked with figuring out why this is happening and how to address it.

How does Lillian suggest approaching open-ended problems in interviews?

Lillian suggests starting by clarifying the problem and aligning with the interviewer on the 'why' of the problem. Then, she recommends using frameworks like tree diagrams and breaking down the issue logically to ensure solutions are backed by rationale.

What is the SCAMPER framework mentioned in the video?

SCAMPER is a framework used for idea generation and problem-solving. It involves looking at a problem through seven lenses: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse.

How should a candidate approach the 'why' in a case study interview?

A candidate should start by confirming whether the problem is important and relevant to the company’s goals. It's essential to understand the priorities of the company and the team, as this provides the context for solving the problem.

What does Lillian recommend when there is little time to address an issue in a real-life scenario?

Lillian advises focusing on the team's priorities and ensuring that if the issue isn’t in the top priorities list, it may not be feasible to tackle it, even if requested by higher-ups. This helps avoid overloading the team with too many tasks.

What is the purpose of using a tree diagram in this case study?

A tree diagram helps break down the problem into binary causes, making it easier to identify potential areas to focus on. In this case, the issue could either be due to higher churn rates or slower subscriber growth.

How does Lillian recommend using data during a case study interview?

Lillian recommends using data to confirm assumptions made during the analysis. The data should validate whether the issue is due to higher churn rates or slower subscriber growth, helping to narrow down the focus for potential solutions.

What is the difference between how a candidate should approach a case study in an interview vs. in real life?

In an interview, a candidate should keep things simple and structured, often using frameworks like tree diagrams and validating ideas with the interviewer. In real life, the approach is more collaborative, with deeper data analysis and cross-team discussion.

What is the 'double diamond' framework, and how does it apply to this case study?

The double diamond framework is a design thinking process that consists of two phases: problem definition and solution definition. The first diamond involves identifying the problem in depth, and the second diamond focuses on brainstorming and prioritizing solutions.

How might the 'crazy eight' exercise help in brainstorming solutions for the YouTube Premium case?

The crazy eight exercise encourages quick, creative thinking by having participants come up with eight solutions in eight minutes. This helps generate a wide range of ideas, which can later be narrowed down and prioritized.