How will you build a travel recommendation product for an online travel giant?

Introduction

Building a travel recommendation product for an online travel giant is an exciting challenge that requires a deep understanding of user needs, market trends, and technological capabilities. I'll approach this by first clarifying the scope, then analyzing the market opportunity, identifying user segments and pain points, proposing solutions, and finally defining success metrics.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on the problem description, I'm thinking this might be for a specific company's existing product. Is that the case, or should I approach this as a new standalone product?

Why it matters: This helps frame the solution within existing constraints or as a greenfield project. Expected answer: It's for an existing online travel company. Impact on approach: I'd leverage existing company resources and align with the current product suite.

• I'm assuming we're working with a well-established online travel company with significant resources. Is that correct, or should I consider this from a startup perspective?

Why it matters: This affects the scale of the solution and available resources. Expected answer: It's a major player in the online travel industry. Impact on approach: I'd focus on leveraging big data and existing user base for recommendations.

• Are there any specific time or resource constraints for this project that I should be aware of?

Why it matters: This helps prioritize features and set realistic goals. Expected answer: We have 6 months and a dedicated team of 10 engineers. Impact on approach: I'd focus on an MVP with core features, then plan for iterative improvements.

Propose the Goal

Given the company's likely focus on increasing bookings and user engagement, I believe the goal is to create a personalized travel recommendation system that increases conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Does this align with your vision?

Define the Scope

Should we focus on recommending destinations, or should we also include specific activities, accommodations, and transportation options within those destinations?

Based on your answers, I'll assume we're building a comprehensive travel recommendation product for an established online travel company, focusing on destinations and associated travel elements, with a 6-month timeline and a dedicated team.