>>building complex systems using multiple development teams requires effective coordination, which implies not only development skill, but communication of tech

>>building complex systems using multiple development teams requires effective coordination, which implies not only development skill, but communication of technical plans. That's not what is being discussed here. As a matter of fact anything as complicated as what you describe here, can't be explained in one cycle. It will require several takes to arrive at something good. And it definitely doesn't involve repeating their deepest thoughts at their colleagues faces. If anything your interview method feels more like an audition for an acting role than problem solving.