I started with the data model and probably spent too long there.
Start by clarifying requirements and scale, then propose a hierarchical data model with inheritance and overrides. Design a hybrid push-pull distribution using CDN and pub/sub, with versioning and conflict resolution. Address offline behavior with local caching and observability with metrics and logging.
Pro tip: Emphasize idempotency and eventual consistency; use version vectors or Lamport timestamps to handle conflicts, and design for graceful degradation when offline.
Ask about number of restaurants, devices, update frequency, and consistency needs. Estimate QPS and storage.
Propose a hierarchical model: global menu items, regional overrides, and restaurant-specific customizations. Use inheritance and versioning.
Choose push (pub/sub) for real-time updates and pull (CDN) for scalability. Combine both: push notifications trigger devices to pull from CDN.
Use version numbers or timestamps. Define conflict resolution: last-write-wins or manual merge for HQ overrides.
Devices cache menus locally and sync when online. Monitor update latency, success rates, and device health.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.