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

Senior
May 2026

Summary

PM interview at TikTok with a product sense question about accessibility. Not a lot of context to go on, but it's the kind of question that sounds straightforward until you realize how many directions it can go.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

How would you improve Google Maps for users with disabilities?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategyRoadmap Prioritization
Author's notes

I went straight to wheelchair accessibility routing because it felt obvious, then realized halfway through I was basically describing a feature that already exists.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by framing the problem around specific user needs and accessibility gaps, then propose a prioritized set of features that balance impact and feasibility. Structure your answer by segmenting users with disabilities, identifying pain points, and aligning solutions with Google Maps' core value proposition and TikTok's product principles.

Pro tip: Demonstrate empathy by referencing real accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and mention how you'd measure success through metrics like task completion rate for users with disabilities, not just feature adoption.

1. Define the user segments and their needs

Identify key disability groups (visual, auditory, motor, cognitive) and their specific challenges with Google Maps, such as navigation for wheelchair users or screen reader compatibility.

2. Map pain points to current features

Analyze existing Google Maps features (e.g., voice guidance, street view) and highlight where they fall short for each segment, using examples like lack of detailed accessibility info for public transit.

3. Brainstorm and prioritize solutions

Generate ideas like crowd-sourced accessibility ratings, customizable voice commands, or haptic feedback, then prioritize using an impact-effort matrix, focusing on high-impact, low-effort wins first.

4. Define success metrics and roadmap

Propose metrics such as increased usage by users with disabilities, reduced navigation errors, and improved satisfaction scores, and outline a phased rollout plan with quick wins and long-term bets.

5. Address trade-offs and risks

Acknowledge potential challenges like data privacy, cost of implementation, and scalability, and suggest mitigation strategies such as partnerships with disability advocacy groups.

Key Points to Mention

  • Adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG, ADA) and inclusive design principles
  • Leveraging existing Google Maps data (e.g., reviews, photos) to add accessibility attributes
  • Voice and gesture-based interfaces for motor impairments
  • Real-time accessibility information for public transit and indoor spaces
  • Collaboration with disability communities for user testing and feedback
  • Metrics beyond adoption: task success rate, error rate, and user satisfaction for disabled users

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