I went straight into space optimization and started rattling off furniture ideas, which was probably the wrong move.
Start by clarifying the constraints and user needs: who are the three people, what is their relationship, and what does 'live in' entail? Then, structure your answer around a user-centered design process: define requirements, generate concepts, evaluate trade-offs, and propose a solution with metrics for success.
Pro tip: Frame the problem in terms of user personas and jobs-to-be-done to show empathy, and explicitly discuss trade-offs (e.g., privacy vs. space efficiency) to demonstrate product sense and technical depth.
Ask questions to understand the context: Are the three people a family, roommates, or something else? What is the budget, location, and duration of stay? What are their daily routines and pain points?
List functional and non-functional requirements: sleeping arrangements, storage, privacy, communal space, and adaptability. Define success metrics such as satisfaction, space utilization, and cost per person.
Brainstorm multiple layout ideas (e.g., modular furniture, vertical space, shared vs. private zones). Consider innovative solutions like convertible furniture, smart storage, and acoustic partitions.
Assess each concept against requirements and constraints. Discuss trade-offs: cost vs. quality, privacy vs. openness, flexibility vs. simplicity. Prioritize features that deliver the most value.
Present a recommended design with a floor plan and key features. Suggest how to test and iterate (e.g., prototypes, user feedback) and how to measure success against metrics.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.