Technology
A Comprehensive Guide to Solving Interaction Design Exercises: A Google Perspective
A Comprehensive Guide to Solving Interaction Design Exercises: A Google Perspective
Interaction design exercises are a common element in technical interviews for roles at technology giants like Google. These exercises are designed to provide insight into your thought process and problem-solving methodology. Here's a detailed and structured guide on how to approach these challenges effectively.
Understanding the Purpose and Key Steps
The primary goal of an interaction design exercise is to see how you analyze a problem, think under pressure, and communicate your ideas. You have limited time, so it's essential to be methodical and focused. Begin by defining your constraints and assumptions—this step is crucial and often overlooked. As you proceed, ensure you stay within time limits while ensuring depth in your design.
The Best Way to Tackle Interaction Design Exercises
Here's a step-by-step approach to solving interaction design exercises:
1. Define Your Constraints, Limitations, and Assumptions
Start by asking clarifying questions to gain a thorough understanding of the problem. List out your constraints, limitations, and assumptions. This step will help you avoid pitfalls and ensure that your design is grounded in reality. Do not jump into sketching or diagramming immediately. Make this initial step concise and to the point.
2. Prioritize and Design the User Experience
Next, focus on the primary user and their task or goal. Think about the most efficient way to accomplish this. How will the user be notified of their progress? What states will they see at each step? It's important to maintain a user-centric perspective and be willing to iterate based on new insights. Quickly sketching out your ideas can be very helpful in this phase.
3. Evaluate Your Work and Consider Edge Cases
Before finalizing your solution, evaluate potential blockers and edge cases. How will you handle these situations? Also, consider how you will measure the success of your design and what steps you might take next. This is your chance to refine your design and ensure it meets all requirements.
An Additional Approach: The Gain-Frame-Brainstorm-Refine-Summarize Method
An alternative method to tackling interaction design exercises is to follow a structured process known as Gain-Frame-Brainstorm-Refine-Summarize:
Gain Context
To truly understand the problem, gather as much context as possible. Ask questions about your user, the problem they're facing, and how it fits into their daily life. Consider the stakeholders, constraints, and what success looks like. This deep dive will help you frame the problem accurately and make more informed decisions.
Frame the Problem
Pick a comprehensive framework to help you synthesize the information. Identify the root problem and make sure you're tackling the most impactful aspect. Clearly state your objectives and success metrics. This step will ensure you're solving the right problem and not just running in circles.
Brainstorm
Now is the time to come up with creative solutions. Don't be restricted by constraints—think about the ideal scenario and what you'd do if anything were possible. Ask yourself how you can abstract the problem into known patterns and consider upstream solutions. Break down the problem into manageable parts and identify bright spots for inspiration. Remember, this is where you find the 80/20 solution—enough to get you started without getting bogged down in perfection.
Refine
Organize your ideas and find patterns. Select a direction and stick to it, clearly articulating your reasoning and decision criteria. Now is the time to deepen your design. Use a whiteboard or any available medium to prototype your solution, focusing on the basics first. Refine your design iteratively, simplifying and refactoring where needed. Consider the limitations and how they impact the overall solution.
Summarize
Conclude by summarizing the core problem, sharing your insights, and explaining your approach. Sell your solution by highlighting its strengths and how it meets the constraints. Discuss any gaps and suggest areas for improvement. This summary will help you effectively communicate your design thinking to the interviewer.
Additional Resources
For those interested in more insights from the interviewer's perspective, the GV Library provides valuable information. Additionally, your recruiter can serve as a valuable resource, offering guidance and insights specific to the company's expectations.
In conclusion, approaching interaction design exercises with a structured and thoughtful process will help you perform at your best. Remember, communication, creativity, and detailed consideration of constraints are key to success.