Get ready for your upcoming UI 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 April 21, 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.
Can you describe your design process when starting a new UI project?
Understanding your design process helps to determine if your methods align with the company's workflow, and to assess how well you structure your work and solve problems.
Dos and don'ts: "Highlight the steps you follow in your design process, like research, ideation, design, testing, and iteration. Show that your process is adaptable and responsive to the needs of a project."
Suggested answer:
Situation: At my previous job at XYZ Tech, I was tasked with designing the UI for a new mobile productivity app.
Task: My task was to ensure the UI design was intuitive and easy to navigate for all potential users while maintaining the aesthetic appeal.
Action: I began with user research to understand our target audience. Based on this, I created user personas and developed wireframes. I then prototyped these designs using Sketch and presented them to the stakeholders. After incorporating their feedback, I conducted usability testing with a small user group.
Result: The productivity app was well-received, with users praising its intuitive and straightforward design. The success of this project led to an increase in my responsibilities and I was entrusted with more complex projects.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
How do you approach understanding the needs and behavior of the target user base?
Your approach to user understanding indicates your level of user-centered design mindset. The company wants to see if you're capable of creating designs that cater to users' needs.
Dos and don'ts: "Describe methods such as user interviews, personas, user journeys, or usability testing that you use to understand the needs and behaviors of your target user base. Show how these guide your design decisions."
Suggested answer:
Situation: While working on a project at ABC Company, I was faced with the task of redesigning the UI for a fitness app aimed at senior citizens.
Task: The challenge was to understand the needs and behaviors of our user base, which was significantly older than the typical fitness app demographic.
Action: I conducted several user interviews and surveys targeting seniors who had an interest in fitness. I also conducted usability tests using the old design, noting the areas where users faced difficulties. I used this data to create user personas and storyboards to represent our users' needs and experiences better.
Result: The redesign was successful, with users appreciating the ease of navigation and accessibility features. Our user base increased by 30%, and user retention also improved.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
Can you share an example of a UI design project where user feedback led you to make significant changes?
Providing an example where feedback caused changes illustrates how flexible and adaptable you are to alterations, and how you respond to user needs.
Dos and don'ts: "Choose an example where user feedback led to a tangible improvement in your design. Be sure to show how you remain open and receptive to user input."
Suggested answer:
Situation: At XYZ Tech, I was responsible for a major UI overhaul of our customer support portal.
Task: My task was to simplify the ticket submission process and make the entire portal more user-friendly.
Action: After designing the initial UI, I incorporated a feedback system for users to share their experiences. The feedback showed that users were having difficulty navigating the new ticket submission system. I took this feedback and revamped the design to simplify the process, making it a step-by-step guide.
Result: The revised design received positive feedback, and we saw a significant decrease in users seeking help for submitting tickets, which demonstrated the UI's improved effectiveness.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest UI design trends and best practices?
Staying current with trends is crucial in UI design. This allows the company to evaluate your ability to learn and adapt to new design practices.
Dos and don'ts: "Discuss how you follow industry news, attend seminars or webinars, or partake in professional communities to stay up-to-date with the latest UI design trends and best practices. Make sure to show that you can discern between passing fads and valuable trends."
Suggested answer:
Situation: Working in the dynamic field of UI design, staying current has always been crucial.
Task: My ongoing task is to keep myself updated with the latest trends, tools, and methodologies to create contemporary, effective, and user-friendly designs.
Action: I subscribe to industry-leading blogs like Smashing Magazine and follow influential designers on social platforms. Attending webinars, workshops, and industry conferences also provides me with insights into new developments. Plus, I frequently experiment with the latest tools and software to enhance my skills.
Result: This commitment to continuous learning has allowed me to consistently deliver up-to-date designs that meet users' expectations and industry standards. For instance, it enabled me to introduce a trending minimalist design approach to the XYZ Tech productivity app, which was positively received by users.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
What experience do you have designing UI for different platforms (mobile, web, desktop, etc.)?
The platform experience helps assess your versatility and familiarity with various design constraints and requirements.
Dos and don'ts: "Illustrate your understanding of design principles for different platforms, like responsiveness for web, or touch interactions for mobile. Share specific projects where you designed for these platforms."
Suggested answer:
Situation: During my tenure at ABC Design Studio, I had the opportunity to work on various platforms.
Task: My role involved designing user interfaces for web, desktop, and mobile applications for different projects.
Action: I leveraged my understanding of each platform's unique strengths and constraints, applying appropriate design principles for each. For instance, when working on a mobile app, I focused on creating a responsive and touch-friendly design. For desktop applications, I paid more attention to leveraging screen space effectively.
Result: My designs were effective and well-received across platforms, enhancing my versatility as a UI designer. One notable success was a cross-platform productivity app that achieved a high degree of consistency and usability across all platforms.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
Can you explain how you consider accessibility in your UI designs?
Accessibility is a crucial aspect of modern UI design. Your approach to accessibility provides insight into your consideration for all users.
Dos and don'ts: "Share how you incorporate accessibility standards into your designs from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. Show your knowledge of accessibility principles."
Suggested answer:
Situation: When working on the customer support portal at XYZ Tech, I was mindful of accessibility requirements.
Task: My task was to ensure that the UI was accessible to all users, including those with impairments.
Action: I familiarized myself with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and incorporated these principles into my design process. This meant selecting color contrasts that would be visible to color-blind users, incorporating alt text for images, and ensuring the portal was fully navigable using keyboard commands.
Result: As a result, the portal was not only compliant with accessibility standards but also received positive feedback from users with impairments, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in design.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your designs?
Handling criticism shows your resilience and professionalism. Companies seek designers who can take feedback positively.
Dos and don'ts: "Illustrate your professionalism by showing that you view criticism or negative feedback as an opportunity for improvement, rather than a personal attack."
Suggested answer:
Situation: While working on a major UI redesign for the e-commerce website of ABC company, I presented my initial designs to the team and received quite a bit of criticism.
Task: My task was to address this criticism constructively, learn from it, and improve the design accordingly.
Action: I listened carefully to the feedback, asking clarifying questions to ensure I fully understood the concerns. I thanked the team for their honest feedback and took time to consider their points objectively. After assessing their feedback, I made revisions to my design to address the highlighted issues, focusing on improving user experience and meeting the project's objectives.
Result: The revised design was much better received. By embracing criticism, I was able to deliver a more user-friendly and efficient UI. This experience taught me the value of feedback in design and reinforced the importance of maintaining a growth mindset.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
How do you collaborate with UX designers, product managers, developers, and other team members during the design process?
Collaboration indicates your teamwork abilities and how you integrate within a multidisciplinary environment.
Dos and don'ts: "Emphasize your soft skills when discussing collaboration. Describe how you communicate effectively, negotiate design decisions, and work together towards a common goal with UX designers, product managers, developers, and other team members."
Suggested answer:
Situation: During my work on a project at XYZ Tech, I was part of a multi-disciplinary team that included UX designers, product managers, and developers.
Task: As the UI Designer, I had to ensure effective collaboration with all team members to create a cohesive product that met user needs and business objectives.
Action: I actively communicated and shared ideas with team members at all stages of the project. Regular meetings and the use of collaboration tools like Slack and Trello helped keep everyone in the loop. I sought input from UX designers on usability, discussed feature priorities with product managers, and worked with developers to understand technical constraints.
Result: This collaborative approach resulted in a well-designed and highly functional product. It reinforced the importance of clear communication and teamwork in delivering successful projects.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
Can you describe a time when you had to advocate for a specific UI decision to your team or stakeholders?
Describing a time of advocacy demonstrates your communication skills and the ability to defend design decisions based on user needs and business goals.
Dos and don'ts: "Share a time when your evidence-based arguments led to a better design decision. Show that you can communicate effectively and stand up for your work when necessary."
Suggested answer:
Situation: At ABC Design Studio, I was working on a UI project for a healthcare app. The stakeholders initially wanted a very content-heavy homepage.
Task: I was tasked to advocate for a user-centric design, which meant a cleaner, less cluttered homepage that would not overwhelm the users.
Action: I prepared a detailed presentation highlighting best practices and current research on user behavior, which supported a cleaner design. I demonstrated through mockups how a less content-heavy design could still meet the project's objectives.
Result: After understanding my perspective, the stakeholders agreed to my design approach. The app has since received positive reviews for its clean and intuitive interface, reinforcing the value of standing up for user-centric design principles.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
What tools and software are you most proficient in for UI design, and why do you prefer them?
The tools you use can show your proficiency and how updated you are with industry-standard technologies.
Dos and don'ts: "Detail your proficiency in popular design software and explain why you prefer certain tools, perhaps due to their features or your own efficiency with them."
Suggested answer:
Situation: While working as a UI Designer for the past five years, I've had the opportunity to use a variety of tools and software.
Task: My task was to find tools that would allow me to efficiently design and prototype UI elements while facilitating collaboration with other team members.
Action: I primarily use Sketch for UI design because of its simplicity and focus on user interface design. I appreciate its extensive symbol library and its seamless integration with InVision and Zeplin for prototyping and developer handoffs. Additionally, I use Adobe XD and Figma for certain projects due to their robust collaboration features.
Result: My proficiency with these tools has allowed me to work effectively and deliver high-quality UI designs. It also provides me with flexibility to adapt to different team preferences and workflows.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
How do you ensure that the UI design aligns with the overall brand and business objectives?
Aligning UI design with business objectives is crucial to ensure that your designs support the company's goals.
Dos and don'ts: "Explain how you take the time to understand the company's brand and goals and how you reflect these in your designs to ensure alignment with overall brand and business objectives."
Suggested answer:
Situation: On a project for XYZ eCommerce, I was tasked to design a mobile app UI which not only looked good, but also aligned with the brand's identity and business goals.
Task: The challenge was to create a visually appealing interface that resonated with the brand identity, enhanced user experience, and drove conversions.
Action: I began by thoroughly understanding the brand guidelines and business objectives. I maintained regular communication with the product manager and marketing team to ensure alignment. I aimed to balance aesthetics with functionality, keeping user experience at the forefront while subtly integrating brand elements.
Result: The final design resonated well with the brand, enhanced the user experience, and led to a significant increase in conversion rates. This project reinforced the importance of aligning UI design with brand and business goals.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
Can you discuss a project where the initial UI design did not meet the project goals or KPIs? How did you handle this situation?
Discussing a project that didn't meet initial goals shows your problem-solving abilities and resilience in the face of challenges.
Dos and don'ts: "Share a case where initial designs didn't meet goals, focusing on how you adapted and learned from the experience."
Suggested answer:
Situation: During my tenure at ABC Tech, we launched a new product feature. However, a few weeks after the launch, data showed that user engagement with this feature was significantly lower than expected.
Task: I had to identify the reasons for this shortfall and modify the UI design to better meet the project goals and KPIs.
Action: I worked closely with the product and data analysis teams to understand the user behavior data. We also conducted user surveys and interviews. The feedback suggested that the feature was not intuitively designed, leading to low user engagement.
Result: Armed with these insights, I redesigned the feature with a focus on usability. After implementing the changes, we saw a significant increase in user engagement, confirming that the redesigned UI better aligned with user needs and project goals. This experience reaffirmed the importance of user feedback and data in guiding design decisions.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
How do you handle designing for multiple different user personas or demographics?
Your method of designing for different user personas or demographics reveals your user-centered approach and understanding of diverse user needs.
Dos and don'ts: "Explain how you tailor designs to different user needs and how you balance these needs when they conflict while designing for multiple different user personas or demographics."
Suggested answer:
Situation: In a project for a multi-service platform at my previous company, I faced the challenge of designing an intuitive UI for a diverse user base with varied preferences and tech-savviness levels.
Task: The task was to create an accessible and engaging design that catered to the needs of all user segments without bias.
Action: I leveraged user research to develop comprehensive personas representing our key user demographics. For each persona, I mapped out user journeys and identified common pain points. Then, I designed the UI, taking into account the needs and preferences of these personas, ensuring the interface was intuitive for all.
Result: The design was well received, with positive feedback from various user groups, which showed increased engagement and satisfaction levels. The success of this project underscored the value of empathy and understanding in creating inclusive designs.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
Can you share an example of a UI design project you are particularly proud of? Why was it successful?
Sharing a successful project offers insight into your capabilities as a designer and what you consider as an effective and successful UI design.
Dos and don'ts: "Discuss a successful project, focusing not only on the end result but also on what you learned during the process."
Suggested answer:
Situation: During my tenure at DEF Software, I was a part of a team tasked with redesigning the UI of our flagship product, which hadn't been updated in years.
Task: My goal was to modernize the interface and improve usability while ensuring a seamless transition for our existing users.
Action: I collaborated closely with UX designers, developers, and product managers throughout the process. I held design workshops and brainstorming sessions, where we prototyped and iterated different design solutions. User feedback was collected and incorporated at each stage.
Result: The redesigned product was successfully launched with minimal disruption to the user base. We received positive user feedback praising the updated look and improved ease of use. This project was personally satisfying as it was a perfect combination of teamwork, user-centered design approach, and impactful results.
Share your feedback on this answer.
/
Why are you interested in the UI Designer role at our company, and what unique skills and experiences can you bring to our team?
Finally, understanding why you're interested in the role and the skills you bring, gives the company an idea of your motivation, suitability, and potential for growth within the role.
Dos and don'ts: "Share why you're excited about the role, focusing on what you can contribute rather than what you can gain. Bring in your unique experiences and skills that align with the role's requirements."
Suggested answer:
Situation: Throughout my career, I have always sought opportunities that would challenge me and allow me to make a significant impact.
Task: With the UI Designer role at your company, I see the chance to apply my skills and experiences to contribute to your innovative projects.
Action: With a strong foundation in UI design and an eye for detail, I have honed my ability to create intuitive and visually appealing interfaces. Moreover, my experience with diverse user bases has enabled me to adopt an empathetic design approach, which I believe is vital to successful UI design.
Result: I am excited by the prospect of bringing my unique skill set and experiences to your team, and I am confident that I can contribute to the continued success and growth of your company.
