System design can feel like a black box sometimes. You go into an interview prepared with the basics, but when they ask you to design something on the spot, it can throw you off. I’ve found that breaking it down into smaller components helps a lot. For instance, when asked to design a URL shortener, I focus first on the core requirements, then think through aspects like database choices and scaling.

Diagrams are your friend! Even a simple sketch can clarify your thought process for the interviewer. Using tools like Lucidchart or even just a whiteboard can help you visualize things. It's easy to get overwhelmed with technical details, but remember that communication matters as much as the actual design.