Design a bike program for Google's Mountain View campus.

Introduction

Designing a bike program for Google's Mountain View campus presents an exciting opportunity to enhance employee mobility, promote sustainability, and improve overall campus experience. I'll approach this challenge by first clarifying key aspects, then diving into user segments, pain points, and potential solutions. My goal is to create a comprehensive bike program that aligns with Google's innovative culture and meets the diverse needs of its employees.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on the problem description, I'm assuming this is for Google's existing campus infrastructure. Is that correct?

Why it matters: Helps frame the solution within existing constraints and resources. Expected answer: Yes, it's for the current Mountain View campus. Impact on approach: Would leverage existing campus layout and infrastructure.

• I'm thinking about the scale of this program. Are we looking at a specific headcount or percentage of employees to serve?

Why it matters: Determines the scope and capacity requirements of the program. Expected answer: Aiming to serve about 30-40% of the campus population. Impact on approach: Influences fleet size, station locations, and overall program design.

• Considering Google's focus on sustainability, should we prioritize electric bikes, traditional bikes, or a mix?

Why it matters: Aligns the program with company values and impacts user experience. Expected answer: A mix, with a preference for sustainable options. Impact on approach: Affects bike selection, charging infrastructure, and maintenance plans.

Propose the Goal

Given Google's focus on employee well-being and sustainability, I believe the goal is to create an efficient, eco-friendly transportation system that improves campus mobility and enhances the overall employee experience. Does this align with your vision?

Define the Scope

For this product design challenge, should we focus on the core bike-sharing system, including bike selection, station design, and user interface? I'll assume we're designing the entire system but can narrow the focus if needed.

Based on the answers, I'll assume we're designing a comprehensive bike program for the existing Mountain View campus, aiming to serve a significant portion of employees with a mix of traditional and electric bikes, focusing on sustainability and user experience.