System design interview template

The system design interview template is from “System Design Interview” by Alex Xu, and consists of four steps to guide interviewees through designing a system.

The fours steps are:

Step 1 - Understand the problem and establish design scope

Ask clarifying questions, get all of the requisite informatioe.

Step 2 - Propose high-level design and get buy-in

Create initial blueprint and get help from the interviewer. Draw diagrams, and do necessary calculations.

Step 3 - Design deep dive

Focus on areas that the interviewer wants. Elaborate where needed, and make improvments on your high level design. Iterate.

Step 4 - Wrap up

Everything can be improved upon. Give a recap of design. Say what areas could be a problem/bottleneck.