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

SeniorPrefer not to say
May 2026

Summary

Got a product design question at TripActions that had nothing to do with travel. Just one question, pretty open-ended, and I spent the first few minutes wondering if I'd misheard it.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

How would you design a smartwatch for blind users?

Product Sense & IdeationAdaptability & AmbiguityRoadmap Prioritization
Author's notes

I fumbled the opening pretty badly.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the target user segment and the core jobs-to-be-done for a blind smartwatch user, then prioritize features based on impact and feasibility. Structure your answer around a user-centered design process, emphasizing accessibility and non-visual interaction, and tie it back to TripActions' context of travel and expense management.

Pro tip: Demonstrate empathy by considering the entire ecosystem—not just the watch, but how it integrates with smartphones, voice assistants, and travel workflows. Also, mention the importance of testing with actual blind users to validate assumptions.

1. Clarify and Define

Ask clarifying questions to understand the scope: Is this for all blind users or a specific segment? What are the primary use cases (e.g., travel, health, communication)? What constraints exist (budget, timeline, existing tech)?

2. Identify User Needs

Outline the key needs of blind users: independent navigation, quick access to information, communication, health monitoring, and seamless integration with travel itineraries and expenses. Prioritize needs based on frequency and criticality.

3. Brainstorm Solutions

Generate ideas for non-visual interaction: haptic feedback (vibrations for alerts, directions), audio output (voice assistants, bone conduction), tactile buttons, and gesture controls. Consider how these features address the identified needs.

4. Prioritize Features

Use a prioritization framework (e.g., RICE, MoSCoW) to rank features by impact, feasibility, and alignment with TripActions' goals. Focus on MVP features that deliver core value, such as voice-guided navigation and expense capture.

5. Define Success Metrics and Iterate

Propose metrics like task completion rate, user satisfaction, and adoption rate. Emphasize the need for iterative testing with blind users to refine the design and ensure accessibility.

Key Points to Mention

  • Accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles
  • Haptic feedback and audio interfaces as primary interaction modes
  • Integration with travel and expense management (e.g., voice-activated expense logging, flight updates)
  • Battery life and connectivity considerations for constant audio/haptic use
  • User testing with blind individuals to validate assumptions
  • Competitive landscape and existing assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, smart canes)

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