Start by clarifying that the new objective is a utilization metric, not a throughput metric, and that this fundamentally shifts the system from minimizing idle time to maximizing concurrent active drivers. Then walk through the three areas—dispatch logic, supply/demand matching, and incentives—showing how each must be redesigned to favor keeping drivers busy over completing the most deliveries. Finally, discuss the trade-offs and potential pitfalls, such as increased delivery times or driver burnout.
Pro tip: Frame the change as moving from a 'throughput-optimized' to a 'utilization-optimized' system, and explicitly call out that this may reduce total deliveries and increase costs—showing you understand the business implications beyond the technical.
Define 'actively working' (e.g., drivers with an assigned order or en route) and acknowledge that maximizing concurrent active drivers may conflict with minimizing delivery time or cost. State that the system must now prioritize keeping drivers engaged over completing the most orders.
Change the dispatch algorithm to assign orders in a way that spreads work across more drivers, even if it means longer routes or less efficient batching. Consider capping the number of orders per driver or introducing artificial delays to keep drivers active longer.
Modify matching to favor keeping drivers in areas where they are likely to receive orders soon, and potentially over-supply in certain zones to ensure drivers are always occupied. Use predictive models to anticipate demand and position drivers accordingly.
Introduce incentives that reward drivers for being active (e.g., hourly guarantees, activity bonuses) rather than per-delivery pay. This may include surge pricing for drivers who stay online during low-demand periods.
Highlight the trade-offs: increased delivery times, higher operational costs, potential driver burnout, and lower customer satisfaction. Propose metrics to monitor the new objective (e.g., driver utilization rate) alongside traditional ones (delivery time, cost per delivery).
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.