Can you provide examples of your past work and explain your design decisions?
Theme: Portfolio Role: Ux/Ui Designer Function: Technology
Interview Question for UX/UI Designer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About UX/UI Designer: Focuses on user experience and user interface design. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Portfolio with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- User Research: In one of my past projects, I conducted extensive user research to understand the target audience's needs and preferences. I conducted interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gather insights. Based on the findings, I identified pain points and opportunities for improvement
- Wireframing & Prototyping: Once I had a clear understanding of the user needs, I created wireframes to visualize the layout and structure of the interface. I used tools like Sketch and Adobe XD to create low-fidelity wireframes and shared them with stakeholders for feedback. After incorporating the feedback, I developed interactive prototypes using InVision to simulate the user flow and interactions
- Visual Design: I paid close attention to visual design principles to create aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly interfaces. I carefully selected color palettes, typography, and iconography to ensure consistency and readability. I also considered accessibility guidelines to make the design inclusive for all users
- Usability Testing: To validate the effectiveness of my designs, I conducted usability testing sessions with representative users. I observed their interactions, collected feedback, and iterated on the design based on the findings. This iterative process helped me refine the user experience and address any usability issues
- Collaboration & Communication: Throughout the design process, I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and stakeholders. I actively sought their input and incorporated their feedback into my designs. I effectively communicated my design decisions through presentations, design reviews, and documentation
- Continuous Learning & Improvement: I believe in continuously learning and staying updated with the latest design trends and technologies. I actively participate in design communities, attend conferences, and read industry publications to enhance my skills. I also seek feedback from users and colleagues to improve my design decisions and deliver better user experiences
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Creativity: To assess your ability to come up with innovative and unique design solutions
- Problem-solving skills: To evaluate your approach in identifying and addressing design challenges
- User-centered design: To understand your focus on user needs and how you incorporate them into your designs
- Collaboration: To gauge your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Communication skills: To assess your ability to articulate your design decisions and explain the rationale behind them
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of portfolio: Not having any examples of past work to showcase
- Inability to explain design decisions: Not being able to articulate the reasoning behind design choices
- Poor design quality: Presenting work that lacks visual appeal or usability
- Limited range of work: Only showcasing similar designs or lacking diversity in project types
- Lack of collaboration: Not highlighting any collaborative efforts or team contributions in past projects