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

IntermediatePrefer not to say
May 2026

Summary

Google product design interview, one question about designing an assistive device. Pretty open-ended, which I wasn't fully prepared for.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Design an alarm clock for blind people.

Product Sense & IdeationAdaptability & Ambiguity
Author's notes

I jumped straight into features without stopping to think about what a blind user actually struggles with in the morning.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the user needs and constraints of blind users, then brainstorm a range of solutions from simple to innovative, and finally converge on a recommended design with clear rationale. Structure your answer around user empathy, product features, and success metrics.

Pro tip: Emphasize accessibility and inclusivity from the start, and consider how the alarm clock integrates with existing assistive technologies and daily routines of blind users. Show awareness of non-visual feedback modalities and the importance of testing with actual users.

1. Clarify and Empathize

Ask clarifying questions to understand the target user, their environment, and specific needs. Consider different types of blindness and co-existing conditions.

2. Define Requirements

List key functional and non-functional requirements, such as time setting, alarm triggering, snooze, and accessibility standards.

3. Ideate Solutions

Brainstorm multiple design concepts using different sensory outputs (audio, tactile, olfactory) and input methods (voice, tactile buttons).

4. Evaluate and Select

Assess ideas based on feasibility, user impact, and cost. Choose the most promising design and justify your choice.

5. Define Success Metrics

Propose metrics to measure the product's success, such as user satisfaction, ease of use, and adoption rate among blind users.

Key Points to Mention

  • Use of non-visual feedback: audio (spoken time, alarms), tactile (vibration, braille), and possibly olfactory cues.
  • Input methods: voice control, tactile buttons with distinct shapes, braille display, or smartphone app integration.
  • Integration with existing devices: smartphones, smart speakers, and assistive technologies like screen readers.
  • Consideration of user scenarios: waking up, setting alarms, snoozing, and traveling across time zones.
  • Accessibility standards: compliance with WCAG, ADA, and other relevant guidelines.
  • Testing and iteration with blind users to ensure usability and effectiveness.

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