How to answer Product Design / Product Sense Questions - BEST Framework to follow!

Summary

In this video, Diego Granados, a product manager, shares a comprehensive framework for tackling product case questions in job interviews. He emphasizes the importance of understanding constraints, setting goals, and defining the scope before diving into problem-solving. Diego advises on clarifying the question, considering user segments, identifying pain points, brainstorming solutions, and prioritizing improvements. He also stresses the need for selecting appropriate metrics to measure the success of product enhancements. The video is designed to equip viewers with a structured approach to excel in product management interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Diego Granados, a product manager, introduces a framework to tackle product case questions in interviews.
• 🔍 Product case questions can vary widely, and interviewers may ask about anything, so candidates must be adaptable.
• ✍️ It's crucial to have pen and paper ready during the interview to jot down thoughts and ideas.
• 🗣️ Communication skills are key; candidates must express ideas clearly, concisely, and with structure.
• 🤔 Even without prior product management experience, candidates should think and communicate like a product manager.
• 📝 A framework is essential for guiding answers, but it's the execution and individual approach that matter most.
• 🚫 Avoid jumping straight into solutions; first, clarify constraints, goals, and scope of the product case.
• 🤝 Engage with the interviewer to confirm assumptions and get on the same page regarding the case scenario.
• 🧠 Brainstorm users by focusing on characteristics and groupings, avoiding generic age ranges for a more nuanced understanding.
• 📊 Prioritize solutions based on the objective, pain points, visibility, and the feasibility of physical changes for physical products.
• 📈 Establish metrics to measure the success of implemented ideas, focusing on user and product interaction metrics.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Diego Granados' video?

The main focus of Diego Granados' video is to provide a framework for answering product case questions during product manager interviews.

Why are product case questions important in product manager interviews?

Product case questions are important because they allow interviewers to assess a candidate's ability to handle real-world product challenges and their problem-solving skills.

What should a candidate do before jumping into solving a product case question?

A candidate should clarify constraints, goals, and scope of the question, ensuring they understand the context and requirements before providing a solution.

How does Diego suggest setting the context for a product case question?

Diego suggests setting the context by discussing competitors, personal experience with the product, alternatives to the product, and personal preferences if the question is about a favorite product.

Why is it important to brainstorm users when answering a product case question?

Brainstorming users helps to identify the target audience and their characteristics, which is crucial for understanding their needs and pain points.

What is the significance of selecting a user segment in a product case question?

Selecting a user segment allows the candidate to focus on a specific group that will benefit most from the product, ensuring that the proposed solutions are tailored to their needs.

How should a candidate approach brainstorming pain points for a user segment?

A candidate should put themselves in the shoes of the user segment, considering their lifestyle, needs, and limitations to identify relevant pain points.

What are the two rules Diego suggests when proposing solutions to a product case?

The two rules are: 1) Ensure the solution actually solves at least one of the pain points, and 2) Make sure the solution is related to the goal of the prompt.

Why is it beneficial to propose a 'moonshot' idea during a product case question?

A 'moonshot' idea shows creativity and forward-thinking, even if the technology doesn't currently exist, it can demonstrate a candidate's ability to think outside the box and plan for the future.

How does Diego recommend prioritizing solutions during a product case question?

Diego recommends prioritizing solutions based on the objective, pain points, visibility and time, and for physical products, prioritizing physical changes first.

What types of metrics should a candidate consider when measuring the success of their product case solution?

A candidate should consider user metrics to understand user behavior and product metrics to understand user interaction with the product.