Quick Summary:
1. Understand the Whiteboard Challenge Format
You’re given a prompt and a Sharpie and you must independently solve the problem. The interviewer may provide direction, but assume no cooperation.
Make sure you think out loud and communicate your reasoning.
Leave enough time at the end to sketch UI and user flows.
2. Break Down the Prompt Thoroughly
The biggest mistake candidates make is not breaking down the prompt properly. After that, you need to generate insights by identifying all stakeholders and their problems.
Always narrow the scope. Broad problems can get overwhelming, so define specific constraints (e.g., location, target user, context).
3. Use a Structured Framework to Scope the Problem
Here’s my framework:
4. Prioritize Key Problems and Define Success Metrics
Identify the core problems within the narrowed scope and define the KPIs to measure success.
Convert success definitions into feature ideation, ensuring your solution aligns with the problem’s needs.
5. Iterate and Get Direction from the Interviewer when Needed
After breaking down the problem, ask for guidance on which scope to pursue. If they don’t provide direction, choose a logical path and justify your decision.
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