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Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

Question 19 of 30 for our Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

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

Question 19 of 30

How would you improve Microsoft Edge?

"I find the Edge browser to be a useful tool, and I appreciate how well it integrates with all of the Microsoft apps. However, I would simplify the layout of Edge and the information that is presented to the user by default. While I realize that there are user personas who understand all of the features that are presented, I initially found it to be a bit busy when I switched back to Edge after using Chrome for a period of time.

Also, I recently reintroduced my mother who is in her sixties to Edge. She was overwhelmed by the number of features on the page and immediately asked me to download Chrome. I spent some time customizing her view for her to make things look more simplistic, but it took me some time to convince her that Edge was a better choice for her needs.

I think a simple design is the intent of the focused layout feature, but I think it could be taken one step further by initially asking the user what style they prefer. The system could show an example of a minimalistic search bar with a few main links and then compare it to a portal-style layout offering a much richer experience. That way, users who are not savvy, or do not prefer to integrate their news into their default browser window will immediately know that Microsoft has a solution for them."

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How to Answer: How would you improve Microsoft Edge?

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

  • 19. How would you improve Microsoft Edge?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Program managers at Microsoft have a mix of technical, design, and product management experience in many cases. Interviewers ask this question to test a candidate's ability to blend these areas of expertise to identify new feature opportunities for a major product.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Remember To

      Remember to explain the value you would expect to see from the improvement you suggest. Additionally, remember to provide a description of the stakeholders that would be affected the most by the change(s) described in your answer.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "I find the Edge browser to be a useful tool, and I appreciate how well it integrates with all of the Microsoft apps. However, I would simplify the layout of Edge and the information that is presented to the user by default. While I realize that there are user personas who understand all of the features that are presented, I initially found it to be a bit busy when I switched back to Edge after using Chrome for a period of time.

      Also, I recently reintroduced my mother who is in her sixties to Edge. She was overwhelmed by the number of features on the page and immediately asked me to download Chrome. I spent some time customizing her view for her to make things look more simplistic, but it took me some time to convince her that Edge was a better choice for her needs.

      I think a simple design is the intent of the focused layout feature, but I think it could be taken one step further by initially asking the user what style they prefer. The system could show an example of a minimalistic search bar with a few main links and then compare it to a portal-style layout offering a much richer experience. That way, users who are not savvy, or do not prefer to integrate their news into their default browser window will immediately know that Microsoft has a solution for them."

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

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