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

SeniorPrefer not to say
May 2026

Summary

Got a product design question at Google that sounds deceptively simple but has a lot of layers once you actually sit with it.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Design a spice rack for someone who is blind.

Product Sense & IdeationAdaptability & Ambiguity
Author's notes

My first instinct was to jump straight into tactile labels and braille, which felt obvious and kind of shallow.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the user's needs and constraints, then ideate solutions that leverage non-visual senses and inclusive design principles. Structure your answer around a user-centered design process, emphasizing empathy and iterative testing with the target user.

Pro tip: Involve blind users early in the design process and consider how the spice rack integrates with their existing kitchen workflow and other senses like touch and smell.

1. Clarify Requirements

Ask questions to understand the user's cooking habits, kitchen layout, and any additional needs (e.g., other impairments). Define success criteria for the design.

2. Ideate Solutions

Brainstorm features that make spices identifiable and accessible without sight, such as tactile labels, Braille, distinct shapes, or auditory cues. Consider organization and ease of use.

3. Prototype and Test

Develop low-fidelity prototypes and test with blind users to gather feedback. Iterate based on their experience to improve usability and effectiveness.

4. Refine and Validate

Incorporate feedback to refine the design, ensuring it meets the user's needs. Validate with a broader group of blind users to ensure generalizability.

Key Points to Mention

  • Tactile labeling (e.g., Braille, raised letters, textured stickers)
  • Distinct container shapes or sizes for different spices
  • Auditory or digital aids (e.g., NFC tags with voice output)
  • Organizational system (e.g., alphabetical, by cuisine) that is easy to navigate by touch
  • Inclusive design principles and accessibility standards
  • Iterative user testing with blind individuals

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