Microsoft Interview Question
Program ManagersThis is a great question - very much like what you would hear from someone who wants you to design software for them.
I don't think bulldozers can turn and move at the same time, so for the motion I would use a joystick with 4 positions: forward, backward, turn left, turn right. For the cabin and arm control, give the driver a miniature replica of cabin and arm. Moving the replica's arm causes the bulldozer's arm to repeat the same motion. Kind of like the loader robot in "Aliens".
That is quite possibly the stupidest question I've ever read in my life.
- Someone who can actually run heavy equip February 17, 2006Somehow, in one question, this interviewer has managed to get facts wrong, throw a useless red-herring scenario into a serious interview, insult the candidate, insult several industries , and waste time.
1) A 'bulldozer' does not have a rotating 'cabin'
2) Ditto for articulated arm
3) Common slang term for such a critter is a 'High Hoe' or 'Track-Hoe'
4) Beyond ludicrous situation. Not even McGivor could do this.
5) Zero Learning Curve. Ok - if you assume that Woody can drive a car, you MIGHT be able to make the machine move in at least one direction and maybe even steer it. Ever wonder why there are so many control levers?
Then again, I'm really missing the point aren't I? These hypothetical questions are to test how well you can think creatively, not realisitically and see how suitable you are for the Borg implant.
No, this was a joke. That's it. I've been had.
ANSWER: - Design interface that responds to voice commands only and has error checking for stutter/stammer. Synth-Voice responds to all commands with clarification questions. e.g. "Go over there" > "Where? Please describe location"
Shuddering as I remember those old 'Knight-Rider' shows that polluted my TV in the 80's.