Can you provide an example of a product that is poorly designed? What are the reasons for its shortcomings, and what improvements would you suggest?

This question evaluates your comprehension of product design, user experience, and your ability to solve problems. You are asked to provide an example of a product you consider to be poorly designed and explain why you believe it falls short. Additionally, you should suggest improvements that could enhance the product or rectify its shortcomings. To respond to this question effectively, keep the following points in mind: Select a well-known product. This will make it easier for the interviewer to grasp your example. Explain the aspects that contribute to the product’s poor design. This may involve issues related to usability, user experience, aesthetics, or functional performance. Recommend practical improvements. Utilize your expertise in product design to propose modifications that can tackle the issues you've identified. Adopt an empathetic perspective towards users in your response. A user-centered design approach is essential in product design.

One example of a poorly designed product is the traditional QWERTY keyboard. Although it is widely utilized, its original purpose was to slow down typists to avoid mechanical typewriter jams. In today's digital age, this issue is obsolete, yet we continue to use a layout that was created to address the limitations of the 1870s. To enhance this design, a more efficient keyboard layout like the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard could be adopted. This layout organizes all the vowels and the most frequently used consonants under the strongest fingers and positions the most commonly used keys on the 'home' row, where fingers naturally rest, leading to increased typing speed and reduced finger strain.

A prime example of a poorly designed product is the television remote control, particularly those featuring an excessive number of buttons. Many users struggle with these remotes due to the overwhelming variety of options, most of which are rarely utilized. Additionally, the buttons are often small with tiny labels that can be challenging to read, especially for older adults or individuals with visual impairments. To enhance usability, a redesigned remote control could feature fewer and larger buttons. Common functions such as volume adjustment and channel selection would be emphasized, while less commonly used functions could be incorporated into an on-screen menu. Moreover, employing distinct shapes and colors for various buttons could help guide users, thereby enhancing their overall experience. For senior users, implementing voice activation or touchscreen technology could further simplify the operation.