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Google·Product Manager·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Senior

Senior
Jun 2026

Summary

Google PM interview with a product design question framed around elevators for skyscrapers. Pretty unconventional setup but the core ask was standard differentiation and feature ideation.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

You're a PM at an elevator company. How would you design new features specifically for skyscrapers, and how would you differentiate from competitors?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategyRoadmap Prioritization
Author's notes

I spent way too long on the skyscraper context trying to sound smart about vertical transportation and kind of buried the actual product thinking.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the goal and constraints: skyscrapers have unique challenges like high traffic, long wait times, and zoning. Then propose features that address these pain points, such as smart dispatching and predictive maintenance, and differentiate by leveraging data and integration with building systems.

Pro tip: Focus on the user experience and business impact: features should reduce wait times and energy costs, and differentiation should come from a platform approach that integrates with smart buildings and offers predictive analytics.

1. Clarify and Define

Ask clarifying questions about the building type, user segments, and success metrics. Define the problem space: high-rise buildings have complex traffic patterns and peak demands.

2. Identify Pain Points

List key pain points for different users: long wait times, overcrowding, energy inefficiency, and maintenance downtime. Prioritize based on impact and frequency.

3. Brainstorm Features

Generate features that address pain points, such as AI-based dispatching, destination control, predictive maintenance, and integration with building apps.

4. Prioritize and Differentiate

Use a framework like RICE to prioritize features. Identify how these features differentiate from competitors, e.g., through superior algorithms, data integration, or ecosystem partnerships.

5. Define Metrics and Roadmap

Define success metrics (e.g., average wait time, energy consumption) and outline a phased roadmap from MVP to advanced features.

Key Points to Mention

  • Smart dispatching algorithms to optimize elevator grouping and reduce wait times
  • Destination control systems where users input their floor for efficient routing
  • Predictive maintenance using IoT sensors to reduce downtime
  • Integration with building management systems and mobile apps for seamless user experience
  • Energy efficiency features like regenerative drives and sleep modes
  • Differentiation through data-driven personalization and partnerships with smart building platforms

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.