Navigating the Gray Areas in Interview Design Questions: Beyond System Design

Interviews for technical roles often present a mix of questions that don’t neatly fall into predefined categories. This article explores these gray areas and provides insights into the intricacies of design interviews, with a particular focus on the categorization of coding and system design questions.

The Fluid Nature of Interview Questions

When it comes to categorizing interview questions, the landscape often appears random and undefined. There isn’t a clear demarcation line between what is considered a "system design" question and what constitutes a "coding" question. This fluidity can make it challenging to categorize questions accurately.

Concurrency: A Case in Point

Concurrency is a prime example of a category that can blur conventional boundaries. From a system design perspective, designing a concurrent system or making a system multi-threaded is a valid approach. However, in practical interview scenarios, concurrency often reduces to using existing concurrency primitives provided by the operating system. This ambiguity makes it challenging to classify concurrency questions strictly as either system design or coding.

Object Modeling: Another Gray Area

Object modeling is frequently viewed as a "system design" question, but in practice, it often involves writing a few classes and using diagrams. This dual nature further complicates the categorization process. Questions about object modeling can sometimes veer towards traditional coding exercises, making it difficult to pinpoint their exact nature.

The Amazon Product Review System: A Complex Case

The design of Amazon's product review system is a prime example of a question that masquerades as a system design puzzle but could ultimately boil down to a well-known caching algorithm. This example underscores the complexity and multifaceted nature of interview questions. When asked to design a sophisticated system, the interviewee might initially think they need to present an elaborate architectural diagram and detailed class design. However, the core of the problem might boil down to technical solutions within the realm of coding.

Meanwhile, What Matters in an Interview?

Despite the ambiguity and blurred lines, the crucial aspect of interviews is not about technical categorization but rather about assessing your thought process, articulation, and problem-solving skills. Interviews aim to observe how you approach problems, your communication abilities, and your ability to apply what you know in a practical context.

About the Author

I run the largest technical interview prep bootcamp in the Bay Area. Our programs delve deeply into various computer science topics, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in top companies. Through comprehensive coaching and rigorous practice, we help you overcome the challenges of modern technical interviews.