I jumped straight into features and had to walk it back.
Start by clarifying the goal: are we designing for guest convenience, hotel revenue, or both? Then segment hotels by type (luxury, business, budget) and identify key user needs (late-night snacks, toiletries, tech accessories). Finally, propose a vending machine concept that addresses those needs, with a monetization strategy that benefits both the hotel and the vending operator.
Pro tip: Emphasize that hotels care about guest satisfaction and brand image, so your vending machine should enhance the guest experience while being easy for hotel staff to manage. Also, consider Amazon's strengths in logistics and technology to create a differentiated solution.
Ask clarifying questions to understand the objective: Is the goal to increase hotel revenue, improve guest satisfaction, or both? Are there constraints like space, budget, or hotel brand standards?
Segment hotels by type (luxury, business, budget, boutique) and identify the needs of different guests (business travelers, families, tourists). Consider what items they might need at various times.
Propose features that address the identified needs, such as 24/7 availability, contactless payment, personalized recommendations, and a mix of essentials and local items. Consider how Amazon's technology (e.g., Alexa, cashierless tech) could be integrated.
Outline how the vending machine will generate revenue: direct sales, advertising, or subscription. Consider a revenue-sharing model with hotels and how to price items competitively.
Prioritize features based on impact and feasibility. Suggest a pilot with a hotel chain to test assumptions and iterate based on feedback.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.