Tell me about a time when you had to compromise on a design decision
Theme: Decision Making 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 Decision Making with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Design Decision: Provide a brief overview of the design decision that required compromise
- Reason for Compromise: Explain the factors or constraints that led to the need for compromise
- Collaboration & Communication: Describe how you collaborated with stakeholders to reach a compromise
- Compromise Solution: Explain the compromise solution that was agreed upon
- Impact & Results: Discuss the impact of the compromise on the design and the final results achieved
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Problem-solving skills: Assessing how well you can navigate and find solutions in situations where design compromises are necessary
- Collaboration skills: Evaluating your ability to work effectively with others and reach consensus on design decisions
- Adaptability: Determining how well you can adjust your design approach and make trade-offs based on project constraints or stakeholder feedback
- Communication skills: Assessing your ability to articulate and explain design compromises to stakeholders and team members
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of Collaboration: Not mentioning any collaboration or teamwork in the design decision compromise
- Inflexibility: Showing resistance to compromise or unwillingness to consider alternative solutions
- Lack of Adaptability: Failing to mention any adjustments made or lessons learned from the compromise
- Poor Communication: Not clearly explaining the rationale behind the compromise or how it addressed the needs of stakeholders
- Lack of Empathy: Neglecting to mention understanding and considering the perspectives of others involved in the decision
- Negative Outcome: Not discussing any positive outcomes or improvements resulting from the compromise