System design can feel overwhelming. You’re not only asked to build something functional but also scalable and maintainable. Avoid the trap of focusing too much on theoretical concepts. Yes, knowing about CAP theorem and various databases is good, but, you also need to consider real-world trade-offs. What’s the end-user experience? That needs to be central to your design thinking.

I recommend practicing with real-world examples. Pick platforms like Twitter, Uber, or Netflix and think through how you would design them. Break it down: what components are essential? How do they interact? Tools like Lucidchart or even whiteboard sketches can help visualize your thoughts. It’s hands-on and makes it easier to communicate your ideas during interviews. Plus, you gain that muscle memory for future design challenges.