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

IntermediatePrefer not to say
Jun 2026

Summary

Google PM interview, one product design question about building a zoo companion app. Pretty open-ended, which I wasn't totally ready for.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Design a companion app for a zoo.

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategyRoadmap Prioritization
Author's notes

I jumped straight into features and had to backtrack when they asked who the app was actually for.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the goal of the companion app—whether it's to enhance visitor experience, drive engagement, or generate revenue—and identify the primary user segment. Then, prioritize features based on user needs and business impact, and outline a phased roadmap with success metrics.

Pro tip: Anchor your design in a clear user journey (pre-visit, during visit, post-visit) and tie features to measurable outcomes like increased dwell time or repeat visits. Show awareness of Google's strengths (e.g., Maps, Lens, AI) to leverage existing ecosystems.

1. Clarify Goals and Users

Ask clarifying questions to define the app's primary objective (e.g., enhance experience, education, revenue) and target users (e.g., families, tourists, members).

2. Identify Pain Points and Opportunities

Map the visitor journey (pre-visit, during visit, post-visit) and brainstorm pain points (e.g., navigation, wait times, lack of info) and opportunities (e.g., personalization, gamification).

3. Prioritize Features

Use a prioritization framework (e.g., RICE, impact/effort) to select high-impact features that align with goals and user needs, considering technical feasibility.

4. Define MVP and Roadmap

Outline a phased roadmap: MVP with core features (e.g., map, schedules), then enhancements (e.g., AR, personalization) based on user feedback and metrics.

5. Define Success Metrics

Specify KPIs (e.g., daily active users, session length, repeat visits, NPS) to measure success and inform iterations.

Key Points to Mention

  • Leverage Google's ecosystem (Maps for navigation, Lens for animal recognition, AI for personalization)
  • Consider offline functionality and low-connectivity scenarios common in zoos
  • Incorporate accessibility features for diverse visitors
  • Balance monetization (e.g., in-app purchases, ads) with user experience
  • Use gamification to drive engagement (e.g., scavenger hunts, badges)
  • Address privacy concerns with location tracking and data collection

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