Requirements of Uber’s Design

Requirements

Let’s define the requirements for a ride-hailing system like Uber.

Functional requirements

Key functional requirements include:

• Update driver location: Automatically track driver coordinates at regular intervals.

• Find nearby drivers: Display available drivers in the rider's vicinity.

Matching policy: Compare estimated pickup time, availability, vehicle needs, and a documented fairness rule. Straight-line proximity alone does not determine the best assignment.

• Request a ride: Accept a rider’s request, select an eligible driver, and offer the assignment with an acceptance deadline. Prevent conflicting confirmed assignments.

• Manage payments: Handle payment processing at the start and end of the trip.

• Show driver estimated time of arrival (ETA): Display the driver's arrival time to the rider.

• Confirm pickup: Drivers confirm when they have picked up the rider.

• Show trip updates: Provide real-time status (ETA, location) to both parties during the ride.

• End the trip: Drivers mark the trip as complete to become available for the next ride.

• Notifications: Push real-time updates (e.g., requests, arrival alerts) to relevant users.