Get ready for your upcoming UX Designer virtual interview. Familiarize yourself with the necessary skills, anticipate potential questions that could be asked and practice answering them using our example responses.
Updated May 02, 2024
The STAR interview technique is a method used by interviewees to structure their responses to behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for:
Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation you were in.
Task: Explain the challenge or task you were faced with.
Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.
Result: Share the results or outcomes of your actions.
This method provides a clear and concise way for interviewees to share meaningful experiences that demonstrate their skills and competencies.
How do you balance business needs and user needs in your designs?
Balancing business and user needs is a critical skill in UX design. Interviewers want to know if you can find solutions that serve both the business objectives and the user's requirements.
Dos and don'ts: "When discussing balancing user needs and business needs, provide examples demonstrating how you make design decisions that align both user goals and business objectives. Avoid suggesting that one always takes precedence over the other."
Suggested answer:
Situation: As a UX designer at XYZ, I'm often faced with projects where user needs and business needs seem to conflict.
Task: The challenge is to find a balance that delivers a great user experience without compromising the business objectives.
Action: In such scenarios, I work closely with product managers and stakeholders to understand the business needs. Simultaneously, I use tools like user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to understand user needs. The goal is to find a common ground where user needs are met, and business objectives are fulfilled.
Result: By using this approach, I have been able to deliver designs that not only provide an excellent user experience but also contribute positively to business growth and customer retention.
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Can you walk me through your design process?
Walking through your design process helps interviewers understand your approach to problem-solving and how you structure your work, from understanding user needs to iterating on designs.
Dos and don'ts: "When discussing your design process, ensure to cover all stages from research to ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Include specifics like tools, methodologies, and how you adapt your process based on project needs."
Suggested answer:
Situation: While working as a UX designer at XYZ company, I've established a design process that has been effective across various projects.
Task: The task is to create a user-friendly design that meets user needs and business goals. My responsibility involves everything from identifying user needs to delivering a final design ready for implementation.
Action: My design process starts with understanding the user's needs and business goals. I then move to ideation, where I generate multiple design concepts. After selecting the most promising concepts, I create wireframes or prototypes and validate them through user testing. Based on user feedback, I iterate on the designs before finalizing them. I utilize tools like Sketch for design and InVision for prototyping throughout this process.
Result: This process has proven successful in creating user-centered designs that meet business goals, leading to increased user satisfaction and business growth at XYZ company.
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Can you describe a project where you had a significant impact on the user experience?
When you describe a project where you had a significant impact on the user experience, interviewers assess your ability to deliver results and contribute to a product's success.
Dos and don'ts: "For showcasing a project where you had significant impact, pick a project where your design decisions positively influenced user experience and business outcomes. Describe your role, the process you followed, challenges faced, and the resulting impact."
Suggested answer:
Situation: While working at XYZ company, I worked on the redesign of our main product, which users found complicated and unintuitive.
Task: The task was to simplify the product and make it more intuitive, while retaining its core functionality. I was the lead UX designer responsible for researching user needs and designing the new interface.
Action: I started with user interviews and surveys to understand pain points and desires. I then developed personas and journey maps to represent our users. Based on these, I redesigned the interface, simplifying the structure and improving navigation. We built a prototype and conducted several rounds of user testing to refine the design.
Result: Post-redesign, our user satisfaction rate improved by 30%, and we saw a decrease in customer support requests related to product usage, marking a significant positive impact on the user experience.
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How do you handle feedback and criticism on your designs?
Your ability to handle feedback and criticism shows your openness to collaboration and your capacity to improve and iterate on your designs.
Dos and don'ts: "When addressing how you handle feedback, portray a positive attitude towards criticism. Discuss how you use feedback constructively to improve your designs, while avoiding any defensive response."
Suggested answer:
Situation: In my previous role at ABC Inc., I designed a mobile app interface that received mixed feedback from the project team and users during testing.
Task: My role was to consider the feedback, manage my reactions professionally, and incorporate useful suggestions to improve the design.
Action: I stayed open-minded and embraced the feedback as an opportunity to improve. I thanked everyone for their input and sought clarity where necessary. I separated constructive feedback from personal preferences, focusing on changes that would enhance the usability and appeal of the design. I then made iterations based on the collected feedback.
Result: By approaching the feedback with a positive mindset and using it to refine the design, I not only improved the app's usability but also established a healthy feedback culture within the team.
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Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with a stakeholder about a design decision? How did you handle it?
Disagreements are common in the workplace. Your approach to resolving disputes, particularly around design decisions, indicates your communication and negotiation skills.
Dos and don'ts: "If asked about disagreements, present a situation where you maintained professionalism and used effective communication to resolve the issue. Focus on the resolution, not the conflict."
Suggested answer:
Situation: At my previous job at DEF Corp., a stakeholder was insistent on a specific feature that I believed would complicate the user experience.
Task: I had to address the disagreement professionally, maintain a user-focused design, and still keep the stakeholder's needs in consideration.
Action: I communicated my concerns, backed by user research and usability principles. However, I also listened to the stakeholder's perspective and acknowledged its merits. I suggested a compromise - implementing a simplified version of the feature. To validate this decision, we conducted A/B testing.
Result: The results of the test favored the simplified feature, confirming my suggestion. The stakeholder appreciated my approach to resolve the disagreement, and we were able to move forward with a design that met both user needs and business requirements.
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How do you incorporate user research findings into your design process?
Incorporating user research into your design process is crucial in creating user-centered designs. Interviewers want to understand how you use research to inform your decisions.
Dos and don'ts: "Incorporating user research into your design process is a key UX skill. Discuss specific techniques and tools you've used, and how these insights informed your design decisions."
Suggested answer:
Situation: When redesigning the website for GHI Ltd., I had an extensive amount of user research data at my disposal.
Task: My role was to translate this data into actionable design improvements that could enhance the overall user experience.
Action: I analyzed the research data to identify key user needs and pain points. I then developed user personas and journey maps to better understand and illustrate our users' experiences. These insights informed my ideation process, leading to designs that addressed the identified needs and pain points. Throughout the design process, I referred back to the research data to ensure the design decisions aligned with user needs.
Result: By integrating user research findings into my design process, I was able to create a more user-friendly website that led to an increased conversion rate and improved user satisfaction.
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What methods do you use to validate your designs?
Discussing your methods for validating designs reveals your approach to testing and ensuring your solutions meet user needs.
Dos and don'ts: "When discussing design validation, mention the methods you employ for usability testing, like user interviews, A/B testing, or heat maps. Provide an example of how these methods have shaped your designs."
Suggested answer:
Situation: While redesigning the e-commerce platform for JKL Inc., I had to ensure that the new design met user needs and business objectives effectively.
Task: It was my responsibility to validate the design by testing its usability, intuitiveness, and overall effectiveness before rolling it out.
Action: I employed a variety of methods to validate my designs. Initially, I used heuristic evaluations and expert reviews to identify any glaring usability issues. Then, I conducted user testing sessions and A/B testing for direct user feedback and quantitative data. I also used surveys and feedback forms to gather additional insights about user preferences and experiences.
Result: This multi-method approach to validation allowed me to identify and address a range of potential design issues. As a result, we rolled out a thoroughly vetted, user-approved design that led to a 30% increase in site engagement.
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How do you ensure accessibility in your designs?
Ensuring accessibility in your designs demonstrates your commitment to inclusive design, which is important to reach and satisfy a diverse user base.
Dos and don'ts: "Accessibility should be integral to your designs. Describe your familiarity with accessibility standards and guidelines, and how you ensure your designs are inclusive."
Suggested answer:
Situation: During my tenure at MNO Tech, I was tasked with making the company's mobile app more accessible to a diverse user base, including users with disabilities.
Task: My objective was to incorporate accessibility standards into the design to make it universally usable.
Action: To ensure accessibility, I began by familiarizing myself with guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). I paid attention to aspects like color contrast, font size, and button sizes to facilitate vision accessibility. I also made sure that all features were keyboard-accessible and the app was compatible with screen readers for users with mobility or vision impairments. Additionally, I conducted usability testing with a diverse group of users to identify any potential accessibility issues.
Result: By putting accessibility at the forefront of my design process, I was able to create an app that was inclusive and user-friendly. User feedback post-launch was positive, indicating that our app was now more accessible and easy to navigate for all users.
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Can you describe a design project that didn't go as planned? What did you learn from it?
Describing a design project that didn't go as planned allows you to showcase your ability to learn from mistakes and improve for future projects.
Dos and don'ts: "When discussing a project that didn't go as planned, show your ability to learn from mistakes and setbacks. Avoid blaming others and focus on what you learned and how you improved."
Suggested answer:
Situation: In my previous role at PQR Solutions, I worked on a website redesign that took longer than anticipated due to unexpected technical limitations.
Task: Despite the setbacks, my goal was to deliver a high-quality design within the new timeline.
Action: I communicated openly with the team about the issues we faced and collaboratively found workarounds. I also revised the design to adapt to technical constraints without compromising the user experience. I learned to manage my time and resources more efficiently and to factor in potential roadblocks in future project timelines.
Result: Although the project faced hurdles, I was able to deliver an effective design by adapting to circumstances and learning on the go. This experience was a lesson in flexibility and resilience, which has since informed my approach to design projects.
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How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?
Staying updated on the latest design trends and technologies shows your dedication to continuous learning and staying relevant in the field.
Dos and don'ts: "To stay updated with trends, mention resources like online blogs, forums, webinars, or conferences. Highlight how you've applied new knowledge to your designs."
Suggested answer:
Situation: In my current role as a UX Designer, it's vital that I stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in the design world.
Task: I strive to continuously learn and adapt in order to create the most effective and modern designs.
Action: I regularly read design blogs, articles, and research papers from trusted sources like Nielsen Norman Group, and Smashing Magazine. Additionally, I follow prominent UX designers on social media and attend design conferences and webinars. I also participate in local design communities where I exchange ideas and experiences with other professionals in the field.
Result: By investing time in learning and networking, I have been able to stay ahead of trends, apply new concepts to my work, and consistently deliver designs that meet current user expectations and industry standards.
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Can you describe your experience with prototyping tools?
Discussing your experience with prototyping tools allows interviewers to assess your technical skills and your ability to bring designs to life.
Dos and don'ts: "Share your proficiency with prototyping tools and give specific examples of how you've used them. Avoid being too generic; be as specific as possible."
Suggested answer:
Situation: While working on a major product launch at ABC Corp, I had to build functional prototypes to demonstrate the new features to stakeholders and to conduct usability tests.
Task: My task was to develop high-fidelity prototypes that accurately represented the final product's functionality.
Action: I am proficient with a range of prototyping tools including Sketch, InVision, and Figma. In this project, I used Figma for its seamless collaboration features, enabling me to work in sync with other designers and developers. I also leveraged its interactive components to create realistic prototypes and simulate user flows.
Result: The high-fidelity prototypes I created helped both in securing stakeholder buy-in and conducting effective user testing. The user feedback we received led to significant improvements in the product before launch.
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How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?
Handling tight deadlines and high-pressure situations is common in a fast-paced design environment. Your approach to these situations indicates your stress-management and time-management skills.
Dos and don'ts: "Handling tight deadlines requires time management and prioritization skills. Share your strategies for dealing with pressure and meeting deadlines without compromising the quality of your work."
Suggested answer:
Situation: At XYZ Tech, I was once tasked with a project that required a complete UX overhaul of our flagship product with a very tight deadline.
Task: I needed to deliver a high-quality design under a significant time constraint.
Action: I prioritized tasks effectively using the Eisenhower Matrix, focusing on what was both urgent and important. I communicated openly with my team about the tight timeline, ensuring we all understood the goals and were aligned in our efforts. I made efficient use of design tools and systems to speed up processes, and scheduled regular check-ins to track progress and adjust as necessary.
Result: Despite the pressure, my systematic approach to task management and open communication with the team allowed us to meet the deadline without compromising the design quality. This experience proved to me the importance of effective time management and teamwork in high-pressure situations.
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Can you share an example of a design that you're particularly proud of? Why is this design significant to you?
Sharing a design you're particularly proud of offers insight into your design values and what you consider your best work.
Dos and don'ts: "Choose an example that demonstrates your best work and explain why you're proud of it. Focus on user impact and how the design solved a particular problem."
Suggested answer:
Situation: During my tenure at ABC Company, we had a project to redesign the company's main product, a mobile application that was lagging behind competitors in terms of user experience and modern design principles.
Task: As a lead designer, my responsibility was to rejuvenate the application's user interface and experience to meet the expectations of current users and attract new ones.
Action: I led user research, synthesized insights, and worked with my team to redefine the user journey. We adopted a minimalist and intuitive design philosophy. Using Sketch and InVision, we created a prototype, conducted usability testing, refined the design based on feedback, and prepared it for development.
Result: The app's redesign was a success, with user engagement metrics significantly improving post-launch. We received positive reviews about the intuitive interface and modern design. It's a project I am proud of because it highlights the impact of good design on user satisfaction and business success.
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How do you collaborate with other designers, product managers, and developers in a project?
Discussing how you collaborate with other designers, product managers, and developers shows your team skills and how effectively you work within a cross-functional team.
Dos and don'ts: "Emphasize teamwork and collaboration. Share how you work within a team to balance design decisions, feedback, and product requirements. Show that you value and can handle interdisciplinary collaboration."
Suggested answer:
Situation: In every project, I work with a cross-functional team that includes other designers, product managers, and developers. During a project at XYZ Corp, we were working on a feature enhancement for our web platform.
Task: Ensuring effective collaboration and clear communication between different roles was crucial to delivering a cohesive and high-quality product.
Action: I maintain open lines of communication and encourage frequent check-ins to ensure everyone is aligned. I used tools like Slack for daily communication and Jira for task management. I also participated in design critiques and sprint planning meetings. I shared design specifications and interactive prototypes with developers using Zeplin to ensure seamless handoff.
Result: By facilitating regular communication and using the right collaboration tools, we maintained good rapport among team members and ensured efficient workflow. The feature was successfully launched and received positive user feedback.
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What role does empathy play in your design process?
Empathy plays a huge role in UX design. Your understanding and application of empathy in your process show your user-centered approach and your ability to connect with user needs and experiences.
Dos and don'ts: "When discussing empathy, express how you understand and incorporate user feelings and needs into your designs. Provide concrete examples to show how empathy has influenced your design decisions."
Suggested answer:
Situation: Empathy is at the heart of my design practice. While redesigning the mobile app for ABC Health, a telemedicine platform, I had to ensure that the app catered to a diverse user base, including elderly users unfamiliar with technology.
Task: It was essential to understand the needs and frustrations of all user types to create an inclusive design.
Action: To build empathy, I conducted user interviews and observations to understand the struggles of different users, particularly the elderly. I incorporated these insights into personas and empathy maps, which guided the design process.
Result: By designing with empathy, the app became more user-friendly and accessible to a broader demographic, leading to increased user satisfaction and wider adoption. The experience underscored for me how empathy in UX design can lead to more inclusive and successful products.
