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I blanked for a second on who the 'client' even was supposed to be.
Treat the elevator as a product and apply a structured product design process: clarify the client's needs and constraints, define success metrics, brainstorm features, prioritize, and outline a validation plan. Since the prompt is intentionally ambiguous, ask clarifying questions upfront to scope the problem and tailor your design to the client's specific context.
Pro tip: Don't jump into features; first align on the client's business model and constraints (e.g., building type, budget, regulations), because a great elevator for a hospital differs vastly from one for a luxury condo. Show that you can balance user needs, technical feasibility, and business viability.
Ask questions to understand the client's industry, building type, budget, timeline, and regulatory constraints. Identify the primary users (passengers, maintenance staff) and their pain points.
Establish what success looks like for the client: e.g., reduce wait times, increase energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, or improve passenger experience. Define measurable KPIs.
Generate a broad set of potential features (e.g., smart scheduling, regenerative drives, touchless controls, predictive maintenance). Prioritize using a framework like impact vs. effort or RICE, considering client constraints.
Sketch a high-level design that integrates prioritized features, ensuring safety and compliance. Consider modularity for future upgrades and create a simple prototype or mockup for client feedback.
Outline a plan to test the design with the client and end-users, gather feedback, and iterate. Include a rollout strategy and post-launch monitoring.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.