What are the next top three big technologies that Google should be aware of? Implement one of them.

Certainly, I'll provide a detailed, strategic answer to the question about the next top three big technologies Google should be aware of and implement one of them. I'll approach this from the perspective of a seasoned VP of Product addressing an interviewer for a senior product leadership role.

Introduction

The strategic challenge at hand is to identify the next three big technologies that Google should be aware of and to implement one of them. This task is crucial for maintaining Google's position as a technology leader and innovator in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Our key business objectives will be to drive growth, maintain market leadership, and create new revenue streams through cutting-edge technology adoption.

I'll approach this challenge by:

1. Clarifying our strategic goals
2. Analyzing the market and competitive landscape
3. Identifying and prioritizing the top three technologies
4. Developing an implementation plan for one selected technology
5. Outlining metrics and KPIs for success
6. Addressing potential risks and contingencies

Let's begin by aligning on our strategic goals.

Step 1

Clarify the Strategic Goals (3-4 minutes)

• Based on Google's position as a leader in search and advertising, I'm assuming that maintaining this core business while expanding into new frontiers is a key priority. Could you confirm if this aligns with the company's current strategic direction?

Why it matters: This will help us determine if we should focus on technologies that enhance existing products or explore entirely new markets. Expected answer: Confirmation of balancing core business strength with new growth areas. Impact on approach: Will influence whether we prioritize incremental or disruptive technologies.

• Considering Google's diverse product portfolio, from consumer apps to enterprise solutions, how should we prioritize technologies that cater to different market segments?

Why it matters: This will guide our technology selection to ensure it aligns with Google's target markets. Expected answer: A balanced approach, with a slight lean towards consumer-facing technologies. Impact on approach: Will affect the selection criteria for our top three technologies.

• Given the rapid pace of technological change, what's our ideal time horizon for implementing new technologies – are we looking at near-term deployments or longer-term research initiatives?

Why it matters: This will help us balance between immediately actionable technologies and more speculative, future-focused ones. Expected answer: A mix of both, with a preference for technologies that can show impact within 2-3 years. Impact on approach: Will influence the maturity level of technologies we consider.

Based on these assumptions, we'll focus on technologies that can enhance Google's core offerings while opening new market opportunities, with a bias towards those that can be implemented within a 2-3 year timeframe and have broad applicability across consumer and enterprise segments.