4-Quad User Exercise
When I feel stuck after a mock, this exercise helps me reset and stretch my thinking.
The Setup
Draw a sheet divided into four quadrants.
In each quadrant, write down three different ways to segment your users.
Don’t worry if some end up overlapping—that’s part of the point.
Why It Works
Practice pivoting mid-interview when your first answer doesn’t land.
See there’s no perfect segmentation. Each approach has tradeoffs.
Catch flaws in your logic before they trip you up.
Example: “Find Parking”
1. By Location
Urban → crowded streets, high demand
Suburban → resident-only parking
Rural → commuter lot issues
⚠️ Risk: Rural often feels like a throwaway.
2. By Situation
Grocery → want close proximity
Mall → disoriented outside major anchors
Dinner → demand spikes at peak hours
⚠️ Risk: Mall and grocery are similar—distinctions may blur.
3. By Mindset / Primary Worry
Protect car → avoid dings
Protect belongings → need secure monitoring
Walking distance → willingness to pay varies
⚠️ Risk: Not fully MECE; mixes protection with convenience.
4. By Parking Type
Street → spots disappear quickly
Garage → hidden entrances on side streets
Lot → shuttle navigation adds complexity
⚠️ Risk: “Lot” can feel weak, but still a valid angle.
Key Takeaway
None of these segmentations is perfect—and that’s the lesson. The exercise forces you to approach the same problem from multiple angles, exposing gaps and sharpening your storytelling.
👉 Try it after your next mock.
Click to download template.
