Problem Solving at Zomato(Product Management Interview)
I was asked to solve this particular problem by proposing a feature during a product manager’s interview. I came up with this solution during the same. I am planning to present a more detailed representation of the proposed feature. The verbal explanation of this feature as well as the approach was appreciated by the interviewer. I still plan to be more thoughtful about the feature in the feasibility aspect. I look forward to your feedback on this proposed feature.
PROBLEM STATEMENT: If you are hosting a party for ten-twelve friends and have to place orders according to your friend’s taste from Zomato. Now for 10–12 different dishes, you have to order an equal number of times on Zomato. The delivery will be made accordingly and hence will create disturbance in the party. Deduce a solution for this issue for Zomato. Propose features and solutions too.
TARGET USER SEGMENT
➢ Tech-savvy young adults
PAIN POINTS
- Different orders from different friends
2. Multiple deliveries from multiple cafes/restaurants.
3. Costly deliveries if concurrent deliveries are made.
4. Payments options
PROPOSED FEATURE: A feature “ HOST A PARTY” is placed on the mobile app besides orders and history. This feature will allow creating a party group and the members can be added through phone numbers. After this, the members will be allowed to order according to their taste. In this way, the orders placed are technically from different registered phone numbers that are in a common group. This feature will allow the members to set a time that would be common for all deliveries.
The reason why the problem of continuous delivery can not have a solution at this moment is affordability. If a single deliveryman visits all those 10 places to pick up the order the cost of delivery will surge exponentially. As stated in the problem if 10 deliveries are made it will create a disturbance. Hence the midway solution is to provide a specific time window of 20–30 minutes. During this window, all the orders must be delivered. Hence after placing an order, the preparation of the order, picking up the order and reaching the destination must be taken care of well before the time window for delivery is provided.
USER JOURNEY
Order placement
- Opens the Zomato app
- Nearby Restaurants
- Host a Party
4. Add guests through phone numbers.
5. Invite link is sent through text messages.
6. The link will take them to the pre-created party group.
7. They will be able to see places delivering to the particular address.
8. Place orders and provide the delivery time window.
Payment options
9. Checkbox for Individuals of the party group for payment.
10. Order will be pending if anyone fails to pay/yet to pay.
METRICS TO MEASURE:
- The number of “host a party” groups created.
- The number of orders placed through the feature.
- The number of successful deliveries for ALL ITEMS placed in the group.
- Time is taken to create a group and place orders.
- Time is taken to deliver a complete order.
Let me know in the comment section, what would your proposed feature be?
