Scenario
Ride-hailing platform: understanding and improving the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) shown to riders.
Question
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List driver-, rider-, and platform-level factors that can affect displayed ETA.
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From a product-management perspective, why is ETA an important metric?
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You observe a positive correlation between ETA length and ride conversion rate. Provide possible internal and external explanations.
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Design an experiment to measure the causal impact of ETA on rider conversion. Explain why a switchback design is appropriate, how you would randomize, and what metrics to track.
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How would you choose the switchback window length, and what are the trade-offs of shorter versus longer windows?
Hints: Think causal vs. correlational, switchback vs. A/B, geographic or temporal randomization, metric sensitivity, supply–demand dynamics.