MockQuestions

Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

Question 14 of 30 for our Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

Microsoft was written by on May 9th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 14 of 30

How would you design a dishwasher? What features would you include?

Microsoft interview candidates commonly report being asked this style of question in an interview. The goal is to observe a candidate's ability to step through the product design process and learn how a candidate pairs creativity with business strategy.

Next Question

How to Answer: How would you design a dishwasher? What features would you include?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Microsoft job interview.

  • 14. How would you design a dishwasher? What features would you include?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Microsoft interview candidates commonly report being asked this style of question in an interview. The goal is to observe a candidate's ability to step through the product design process and learn how a candidate pairs creativity with business strategy.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Remember To

      Remember to include a feature that would distinguish your dishwasher from the competition in some way. Also, be sure to describe the audience you plan to target with your product. For example, a quality dishwasher that is also budget-friendly could be marketed to middle-class families.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "I would begin by determining the target customer segment for the dishwasher. Understanding the personas of the customers who will potentially buy the product is essential. I would research their budgets, their needs, and the types of features that would excite them. From there, I would be able to define a target pricing and revenue model.

      For example, let's say that my company already had mid-tier and top-tier dishwasher products, and it was decided that my product would be built for customers with lower budgets. I would first include all of the must-have features for my dishwasher to be functional. this would include features such as water intake, cleaning jets, dishwasher detergent distributors, and a control panel.

      Then, I would strive to develop a product with a flexible layout so that users could configure the machine to adapt to their needs. I may not be able to use best-in-class materials, but the product could have similar flexibility as our higher-tier products. Also, the finishes for this line may be of lesser quality than other tiers. For example, the inside of the dishwasher would likely be plastic as opposed to stainless steel and the outside may be painted.

      Next, I would work with our engineers to find ways to reduce the water and energy usage of the product as much as possible. Customers with a limited budget would appreciate a product that would be able to deliver long-term cost savings. They may be able to spend slightly more for the product initially if they knew it had the ability to reduce water costs and energy costs long-term. These same features would also entice eco-conscious customers.

      Finally, I would seek to add kid-friendly features to the product. For example, I might place a child lock on the product to keep a small child from pulling the unit open during operation. Many of the families who would need a budget-friendly option might have small children and appreciate these added safety features."

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022