My first instinct was to go full UX mode and talk about pump UI and loyalty apps, which in hindsight was way too narrow.
Start by clarifying the goal and context of the gas station (e.g., target users, location, business objectives) to avoid assumptions. Then, structure your answer by defining user needs, brainstorming features, prioritizing based on impact and feasibility, and outlining success metrics. Emphasize a user-centric approach and tie back to Google's mission of organizing information and making it universally accessible.
Pro tip: Show adaptability by acknowledging that 'great' is subjective and depends on the scenario—e.g., a gas station in a rural area vs. an urban one. Propose a framework that can be tailored, and invite the interviewer to choose a specific context to dive deeper.
Ask questions to understand the purpose: Is this a standalone gas station or part of a larger ecosystem? Who are the target users? What are the key business goals (e.g., revenue, sustainability, convenience)?
Segment users (e.g., daily commuters, road-trippers, local residents) and identify their pain points and desired outcomes when visiting a gas station, such as speed, cleanliness, amenities, or digital integration.
Generate a wide range of ideas (e.g., seamless payment, loyalty programs, EV charging, convenience store, rest areas) and prioritize using a framework like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) or MoSCoW.
Propose metrics to measure success, such as customer satisfaction (NPS), repeat visits, average transaction value, or time spent per visit, and align them with business goals.
Recap your design, highlighting key differentiators and how it addresses user needs. Mention potential trade-offs and how you would iterate based on feedback.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.