This is part of a mini-series illustrating how to think creatively for interviews. It is also a way to build your product sense instincts.

Instructions:

1. See a problem.

2. Identify the quick problem statement/goal

3. Identify a user to solve for

4. Come up with three solutions

What you should avoid:

1. Overthinking

2. Being too grounded in reality

3. Trying to follow the rules of the typical product interview

Now let’s dive in:

What is the problem: Keeping a toddler safe when they are at the age they are learning independence an how to open a door.

Goal: Help toddler to learn how to open doors safely.

User: See Goal

Three Solutions:

1. MVP: Door lock connected to app on caregivers’ phone to prevent toddlers from hurting themselves by going into an unsafe area unattended when they try to open the door.

2. Moving Doorknob Imagine a door knob that comes down to the toddler’s height. (It could/should also be lockable remotely).

3. Add Voice Assistant: Let’s add a bonus feature, teach the toddler new words by making door opening a game. The door would be attached to Alexa, and just before the toddler gets the door open, Alexa/Google Home asks them to say a word. This would unlock the door and warn the caregiver’s app to alert at the same moment and encourage the toddler to speak.

Note on Interviewer Preferences: Yes, the third idea is a bit of a blended idea and veers a bit from the original intent. In a real interview, some might claim overlapping ideas and not staying focused on core problem but good storytelling about making ever more complex solutions that borrow from one another might work. It all depends on your interviewer.

If you don’t use a SUP, try picking a sport you enjoy and come up with a problem and three solutions. Maybe it is golfing or running. Go for it.