Improve an Existing Product
Part of the Product Management Roadmap
In short
"How would you improve WhatsApp?" sounds easy until you realise listing ten features is the weakest possible answer. They want one focused, well-argued improvement.
A prompt like 'how would you improve [product]' testing whether you can spot real problems and propose focused, well-reasoned solutions rather than a scattershot feature list.
Think of it like this
The squeaky bicycle
Your bicycle runs fine but squeaks on every turn. You don't buy a new frame, gears and seat. You find the one squeak, oil that joint, and test ride. A good improvement answer finds the squeak.
Watch it happen
How a strong answer unfolds
Improve a music app
1/6The prompt is broad on purpose. They want to see how you narrow it.
The big ideas
What you need to know
Set a goal first
Engagement, growth or revenue? The goal decides what "better" means.
One user, one pain
Depth on one real problem beats a laundry list.
Respect the product
Say briefly what already works and why, before criticising.
Name trade-offs
Every improvement costs something. Saying it shows maturity.
Save yourself the pain
Common mistakes
Oops
Rattling off ten feature ideas.
Do this instead
Pick one problem and go deep on it, with a clear reason for your choice.
Oops
Improving the product for yourself only.
Do this instead
Pick a user segment backed by reasoning, even if you're part of it.
Your mission
Improve your most-used app
Quick check
What should usually come first in an "improve this product" answer?
Go deeper
- 1Pick 2-3 products you know well enough to critique with specifics, not generic praise.
- 2Practice narrowing to ONE strong recommendation instead of listing ten shallow ones.
- 3Ground your critique in a specific user segment and their specific problem.
More product sense at this stop
Design a Product From Scratch
Favorite Product Critique
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