Don't Save the Hardest for Last

In this lesson, we focus on the importance of addressing the most challenging aspects of a system design problem early on:

• We often make the mistake of delaying the hardest parts of the problem. While starting with simpler tasks might seem productive, it can lead to incorrect design choices and suggest we're unaware of the core challenges

• We should immediately focus on the most complex parts of the problem. Tackling these challenges first demonstrates our understanding and prevents us from getting sidetracked by less critical aspects

• In our interview example, we show how the candidate misses the core problem behind the messaging app, tackling the simpler pieces instead

• Effective problem solving involves working through strategies for the hardest issues, like the message-to-notification fan-out, and evaluating their pros and cons

• By focusing on the toughest problem first, we show strong judgment and prioritization skills. This approach ensures that we manage our time well and address the most critical aspects of the design effectively

If you need extra help with your system design interview, Formation.dev can provide you hands-on, personalized support. Join us here: https://formation.dev/partners/taro