Navigating the App Critique: A Comprehensive Guide for Product Design Interviews
Introduction
The App Critique in product design interviews is more than an evaluation of design skills. It's a deep dive into strategic thinking, problem-solving, and user-centered design. It's crucial for showcasing how you can add value to a company, especially in the digital health space.
How to prepare
Below is a file of how I've prepared for app critiques. To me the process was enjoyable and educational.
1. Problem Identification
Understanding the Core Issue: Identify the problem the app addresses, its nuances, and its impact on users. It's about understanding the 'why' behind the app's existence.
2. Users
User-Centric Design Thinking: Who are the app's primary users? Understand their needs, behaviors, and pain points to demonstrate how the app meets their specific requirements.
3. Business Revenue
Monetization Strategies: Discuss how the app generates revenue, whether through subscriptions, in-app purchases, or partnerships, showing your grasp of the business side of design.
4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Measuring Success: KPIs are essential for tracking the app's performance. Discuss relevant metrics like user retention or conversion rates and how they align with the app's objectives.
5. Competitors
Market Analysis: Identify and analyze competitors. Understand how the app stands out and the strengths and weaknesses of its competitors to position the product in the market.
6. Value Proposition
Unique Selling Points: What makes the app unique? Discuss its value proposition and how it solves problems better or differently than competitors.
7. Visual Design
Aesthetic Appeal and Functionality: Evaluate the app's visual design for enhancing user experience and functionality.
8. Motion Design
Enhancing User Experience: Analyze the use of motion design in the app and its impact on usability, including transitions and animations.
9. Information Architecture (IA)
Organizing Content: Analyze the app's IA for logical information structure and user accessibility.
10. User Experience (UX)
Seamless Interactions: Evaluate the overall user experience, focusing on intuitiveness and how it makes the user's journey easier and more enjoyable.
11. Usability
Ease of Use: Discuss the app's usability, including any pain points and potential improvements.
12. Accessibility
Inclusive Design: Analyze the app’s accessibility and its usability by people with different abilities, reflecting your commitment to inclusive design.
13. Business Opportunities
Future Potential: Identify potential business opportunities, including market expansion or additional features.
14. Short-Term Strategy
Immediate Goals: Focus on immediate goals and strategies for quick wins.
15. Long-Term Strategy
Sustaining Success: Consider the app's long-term strategy for maintaining relevance and meeting user needs.
Conclusion
An App Critique isn't just about design; it's a holistic view encompassing user needs, business goals, and market dynamics. As a senior product designer, your ability to critique an app shows you're a strategic thinker who can contribute significantly to a product's success.
