Unlike Algorithmic questions, jumping right into System Design with little guidance won’t get you the best results.

The goal of this study guide breaks the required knowledge for Systems Design into 4 easy steps.

Remember, unlike coding exercises, there is not a single solution for System Design questions. System Design interviews don’t present “problems to be solved” rather they simulate “how you approach designing an end-to-end solution”.

Steps

  1. If you’re aiming for a “Frontend System Design interview” start by reading the guide below.

    Front end system design interview overview | Front End Interview Handbook

  2. Understand the format: Watch two of these Mock interview videos. Avoid watching more than two, and don’t worry if you don’t understand some parts, it’s about the form not content.

System Design Interview – Step By Step Guide

Components of System Design | System Design Tutorials | Part 2 | 2020

How to Answer System Design Interview Questions (Complete Guide)

Uncover the Secrets of System Designing Instagram - Here's What You Need to Know!

Design Tinder - System Design Interview (with TikTok Senior Engineer)

System Design Mock Interview: Design TikTok ft. Google TPM

  1. Expand your knowledge: Make sure you understand the following concepts at a high level (again, aim for breadth, not depth)

    System Design Concepts

  2. Practice!

    1. Rewatch the videos from 1. and research any concept mentioned that you don’t feel familiar with.

    2. Review Common mistakes

      Stop Parroting YouTube solutions in System Design Interviews

    3. Join one of our System Design practice sessions 😉

    4. Pick one of these questions, and record yourself designing the system.

      1. Design a URL Shortening Service
      2. Design a Real-time Messaging Application
      3. Design a Scalable E-commerce Website
      4. Design a Distributed File Sharing System
      5. Design a Geo-distributed Social Media Feed

More resources

Good Luck!