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

Intermediate

Jun 2026

Summary

Microsoft PM interview with a single product design question about building a touchscreen table for a restaurant. Pretty open-ended, which sounds fun until you're actually sitting there trying to figure out where to start.

Questions Asked (1)

How would you design a touchscreen table for a restaurant?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategySystem Design

Author's notes

I went straight to features and kind of skipped over who the customer actually was, which I regret.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the goal and constraints of the touchscreen table, then segment users (diners, staff, restaurant owners) and prioritize their needs. Propose a high-level solution that addresses key use cases, and discuss how you would validate and iterate based on metrics and feedback.

Pro tip: Emphasize that the table must enhance the dining experience without being intrusive; consider environmental factors like spills, lighting, and noise, and how the hardware integrates with existing restaurant POS systems.

1. Clarify Objectives and Constraints

Ask questions to understand the restaurant type, target users, budget, and technical constraints. Define what success looks like (e.g., increased order size, faster turnover, improved customer satisfaction).

2. Identify Users and Use Cases

Segment users into diners, waitstaff, and restaurant owners. Map out key use cases such as browsing menus, placing orders, paying bills, and accessing entertainment.

3. Define Product Requirements

Based on use cases, list functional and non-functional requirements: durability, ease of cleaning, multi-touch, integration with POS, accessibility, and privacy.

4. Propose High-Level Solution

Describe the table's hardware (size, materials, sensors) and software (UI, features, connectivity). Explain how it fits into the restaurant ecosystem and enhances the dining experience.

5. Validate and Iterate

Outline a plan for prototyping, user testing, and gathering metrics. Discuss how you would measure success and iterate based on feedback and data.

Key Points to Mention

Durability and cleanability: tables must withstand spills, heat, and heavy use.
Integration with existing restaurant systems (POS, inventory, CRM).
User experience: intuitive interface, minimal disruption to social interaction.
Accessibility: support for diverse users including those with disabilities.
Business model: how the table generates value (e.g., upselling, ads, data insights).
Privacy and security: handling payment data and personal information.

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