Overview
What this challenge is about.
Walk through the existing public API as a first-time developer using only the public docs, OpenAPI spec, SDKs (Python + JavaScript), and example repos. Run the first-hour test 3 times with different sign-up paths. Score the API on: discoverability, onboarding speed, error-message quality, SDK ergonomics, documentation-code parity, and example-repo freshness. Document every friction point with a screenshot/log. Produce 12 concrete fixes with effort estimates and a prioritized rollout. Deliver a 14-page DX audit report, the scoring rubric (so the team can re-run it), and a 30-minute video walkthrough for the API committee.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Run a structured DX audit on a v3-candidate public API and produce 12 prioritized fixes that an API committee can ship before freeze.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Run a 'first-hour test' as a structured DX audit method
- Score an API on multiple DX axes with reproducible criteria
- Translate friction points into actionable engineering fixes
- Communicate DX findings to a mixed engineering + product audience
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
Careers
Roles this prepares you for.
Real titles. Real skill bridges. Pick the one closest to your trajectory.
Product Manager
API product managers earn their seat with DX audits like this one — the artifact is the conversation-starter for the freeze sprint.
This challenge sharpens
- developer-experience
- stakeholder-communication
- research