Four More User Segments
There is no perfect answer for any product sense interview mock. You need to be able to see the same prompt from different angles and perspectives. One of the key variables you need to learn to play with as part of your practice is user segments.
Trying out different segments for the same case will help you learn what is to broad or two narrow. It will help you see there are different angles you can take the prompt from, just as there are different users or personas you should consider serving with your given product.
I call this drill or exercise: Four More
After you finish a mock but before you move on to the next thing or case, take a piece of 8.5 x 11 paper and put a 4 box grid on it. In each box write 3 different user segmentations for the case you just did.
Bonus: follow up with a Jobs to Be Done frame/language pivot to explain the why behind those user groups.
Do this EVEN if you got an 5/5 on your case.
Why?
Forces you to shake what you anchored on. Good practice in case the interviewer wants you to pivot from where you are convinced you want to go.
Helps you see what you could have done, and that you can change your thinking, if your case went off the rails.
Icing on the Cake to finish off the session knowing you can think about segmentation differently.
Here is an example of what I mean (did it after a case I failed yesterday).
If you find giving yourself a theme to anchor on helpful, try this list. Use it as a standalone rationale or mix and match.
motivations
behavior patterns
needs
context (where/when)
expertise/knowledge
resource constraints
desired results/value prop
Another way to think about it:
Primary Motivations: What drives their behaviors?
Behavioral Patterns: Frequency is a big one
Context of Use: Where, When and How they engage w/problem
Expertise: Novice, intermediate and expert
Resource Contraints: time, money knowledge
Desired Results: What are they trying to achieve?
Then take these and build a vivid persona that is relatable to the listener with a combination of say two or three factors above. (Be careful not to confuse the listener or yourself.) Think: context & contraints or context, constraints & behaviors.
