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Company focus

Mercari
Product Improvement Medium Member-only

How might Mercari redesign its search filters to help users find desired items more efficiently?

Prepared by NextSprints

15 mins
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User Experience Design Feature Prioritization Data Analysis E-commerce C2C Marketplaces Mobile Apps User Experience Product Improvement E-Commerce Marketplace Search Optimization
Product Management Improvement Question: Redesigning Mercari's search filters for better user experience and item discovery

Introduction

Mercari's search filters play a crucial role in helping users find desired items efficiently. As we explore redesigning these filters, we'll focus on enhancing user experience, increasing engagement, and ultimately driving more successful transactions on the platform.

Framework overview

I'll approach this challenge by first clarifying our objectives, then analyzing user segments and pain points. We'll generate innovative solutions, evaluate them, and propose a roadmap for implementation, along with metrics to measure success.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

  • Looking at Mercari's position in the C2C marketplace, I'm thinking about the balance between buyer and seller experiences. Could you clarify if we're primarily focusing on improving the search experience for buyers, or if we're also considering how changes might impact sellers?

Why it matters: Determines if we need to balance buyer and seller needs in our solution Expected answer: Primary focus on buyers, but consider seller impact Impact on approach: Would prioritize buyer-centric solutions while ensuring no negative impact on sellers

  • Considering the competitive landscape, I'm curious about Mercari's current market position. How does our search functionality compare to key competitors, and are there any specific areas where we're falling behind or excelling?

Why it matters: Helps identify opportunities for differentiation or areas needing improvement Expected answer: Lagging in advanced filtering options compared to eBay, but strong in mobile experience Impact on approach: Would focus on enhancing advanced search capabilities while maintaining mobile strengths

  • Given the importance of data in driving product decisions, I'm wondering about our current search metrics. What are the key performance indicators we're currently tracking for search, and are there any specific pain points or drop-off points in the user journey that have been identified?

Why it matters: Guides our focus towards the most impactful areas for improvement Expected answer: High search abandonment rate, low use of existing filters Impact on approach: Would prioritize solutions that increase filter usage and reduce search abandonment

  • Thinking about Mercari's broader strategy, I'm curious about any upcoming features or initiatives that might impact or integrate with the search functionality. Are there any strategic priorities we should be aware of when redesigning the search filters?

Why it matters: Ensures our solution aligns with and supports broader company goals Expected answer: Upcoming focus on personalization and AI-driven recommendations Impact on approach: Would explore ways to incorporate personalization into search filters

Tip

At this point, you can ask interviewer to take a 1-minute break to organize your thoughts before diving into the next step.

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Updated Mar 29, 2025