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Choose an item in your room at random. In what way would you reimagine its design?

Approach / Explanation

This question is designed to assess your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills. Interviewers are interested in how you perceive everyday objects through both a functional and design lens, as well as how you might suggest enhancements. Here’s how to tackle this question: Select a simple, common object such as a chair, mug, or lamp. It's best to avoid items that are overly complex or technologically advanced, as these may complicate the redesign process. Examine the object from various perspectives. What is its purpose? How does it currently operate, and what are its shortcomings? What are its aesthetic qualities, and how could they be improved? Once you've assessed the object's functionality and design, suggest modifications. Go beyond a vague redesign idea; aim to provide specific, detailed solutions to address the object's identified limitations. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and your critical thinking skills.

Suggested Answer

Consider a typical desk chair, for instance. A primary function of a desk chair is to ensure comfort during extended sitting. However, many existing desk chair designs do not always encourage proper posture. To tackle this problem, I would redesign the chair to include adjustable lumbar support that conforms to the shape of an individual's lower back to enhance posture. Furthermore, I would incorporate a feature that allows the seat height to automatically adjust to the user's height and desk arrangement for improved ergonomics. In terms of appearance, I would choose a sleek, minimalist design with a neutral color scheme, allowing the chair to seamlessly blend into various office settings and personal spaces.

Alternative Answer

Let's take a look at a conventional table lamp. At present, it fulfills the fundamental role of providing illumination. However, with the advent of smart home technology, a lamp can offer much more than mere lighting. Consequently, I would revamp the lamp to be compatible with smart home systems. It would include features such as remote and voice control, adjustable brightness, options for changing color temperature, scheduled on/off functions, and even integration with smart assistants for reminders or weather information. In terms of design, I would aim for a minimalist aesthetic with a sophisticated, high-quality finish that seamlessly blends with various interior styles. With these enhancements, the lamp would not only act as a source of light but also as a smart device that enhances home automation.

Question Details

Difficulty & Category

Medium
product design

Companies

Capital One

Product

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