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Asana·Product Designer·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Intermediate

IntermediatePrefer not to say
May 2026

Summary

Asana product design interview where they asked me to whiteboard a wishlist-sharing app from scratch. Pretty open-ended, which sounds fun until you're staring at a blank whiteboard.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Whiteboard a mobile or web app that lets users build and share wishlists with their friends.

Product Sense & IdeationSystem DesignAdaptability & Ambiguity
Author's notes

I jumped straight into features and completely skipped defining the user.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the goal and constraints (e.g., mobile vs. web, target users, core features) to show product thinking. Then outline a high-level user flow and key screens, focusing on the core loop of creating, sharing, and collaborating on wishlists. Finally, discuss trade-offs and potential metrics for success, tying back to Asana's collaborative ethos.

Pro tip: Anchor your design around a specific user need (e.g., reducing gift-giving anxiety) and show how Asana's values (clarity, collaboration) can be embedded. This demonstrates strategic alignment and empathy.

1. Clarify and Scope

Ask clarifying questions to understand the target platform, primary users, and core use cases. Define the problem statement and success metrics.

2. User Flow and Core Features

Sketch the end-to-end user journey: creating a wishlist, adding items, sharing with friends, and collaborating (e.g., claiming gifts). Highlight key screens and interactions.

3. Prioritize and Trade-offs

Discuss which features are must-have vs. nice-to-have, and explain trade-offs (e.g., privacy vs. discoverability). Consider technical feasibility and scalability.

4. Collaboration and Social Dynamics

Explain how friends can interact: commenting, reserving items, or suggesting gifts. Address privacy controls and notifications to avoid spoiling surprises.

5. Metrics and Iteration

Propose success metrics (e.g., wishlist creation rate, share rate, engagement) and how you'd iterate based on user feedback.

Key Points to Mention

  • User personas: gift-givers vs. wishlist owners, and their distinct needs
  • Core loop: create wishlist → add items → share → friends engage (reserve/comment)
  • Privacy and permissions: who can see what, and how to prevent spoilers
  • Integration with existing platforms (e.g., e-commerce, social media) for adding items
  • Notification strategy: timely alerts without being intrusive
  • Monetization or growth opportunities (e.g., affiliate links, premium features)

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