20 Interactive Designer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various interactive designer interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Interactive Designer Interview Questions
- How do you approach design challenges?
- How do you think about usability when designing web or app interfaces?
- What are your thoughts on flat design?
- How do you think about typography when designing interfaces?
- What are your thoughts on iconography in interfaces?
- How do you approach layout when creating interfaces?
- What challenges do you think arise when designing for mobile devices?
- How do you approach animation and motion when creating interfaces?
- What are your thoughts on microinteractions?
- How do you think about color when designing interfaces?
- Do you think there are any common mistakes made when designing interfaces? If so, what are they?
- How do you think about accessibility when creating interfaces?
- What tools do you use to help with the design process?
- How do you think about working with developers during the design process?
- How do you approach user testing when designing interfaces?
- What are your thoughts on using feedback to improve designs?
- Have you ever encountered a design challenge that was particularly difficult to solve? If so, how did you go about solving it?
- Do you have any tips on ways to stay creative when designing interfaces?
- What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind when designing interfaces?
- Do you have any examples of interface designs that you particularly admire?
How do you approach design challenges?
An interviewer might ask "How do you approach design challenges?" to an Interactive Designer to get a sense of how they approach problem solving and if they are able to think creatively to come up with solutions. It is important for an Interactive Designer to be able to approach design challenges with a creative and open mind in order to come up with innovative solutions.
Example: “When presented with a design challenge, the first thing I do is sit down and brainstorm possible solutions. I try to come up with as many ideas as possible, even if some of them seem far-fetched at first. Once I have a good selection of ideas, I start to narrow them down by considering which ones are the most feasible and which ones would best solve the problem at hand. From there, I start to sketch out my ideas and flesh out the details. Once I have a few solid concepts, I present them to my team or client and we discuss which one is the best option to pursue.”
How do you think about usability when designing web or app interfaces?
The interviewer is asking how the Interactive Designer thinks about usability when designing web or app interfaces because it is important to have a good understanding of how people will use the interface in order to design an effective and user-friendly interface.
Example: “Usability is one of the most important factors to consider when designing web or app interfaces. There are a few key things to keep in mind when thinking about usability:
1. Ease of use: The interface should be easy to use and understand. All elements should be clearly labelled and easy to find.
2. Intuitive: The interface should be intuitive so that users can figure out how to use it without having to read instructions.
3. User-friendly: The interface should be user-friendly, meaning that it is designed with the user in mind. All features and functions should be easy to access and use.
4. Accessible: The interface should be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This means that it should be compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers.
5. responsive: The interface should be responsive so that it works well on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets.”
What are your thoughts on flat design?
Flat design is a type of design that uses minimalistic elements and focuses on simplicity. It is important to an interactive designer because it can help create a more user-friendly interface.
Example: “Flat design is a minimalistic design approach that emphasizes usability and content over visual design elements. Flat design is often used in web and mobile design, as it can help create a clean and user-friendly interface. While flat design has its benefits, it also has some drawbacks. For example, flat design can make it difficult to create a visually interesting or unique interface. Additionally, flat design may make it harder for users to navigate complex interfaces.”
How do you think about typography when designing interfaces?
There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask this question to an interactive designer. Firstly, typography is a critical element of any interface design - it can play a big role in how users perceive and interact with a design. Secondly, designers need to have a good understanding of how different typefaces work in order to create an effective and efficient design. Lastly, this question allows the interviewer to gauge the designer's level of expertise and understanding of typography.
Example: “There are a few things to consider when thinking about typography in interface design:
- Readability: The text should be easy to read at a glance, and the hierarchy of information should be clear.
- Legibility: The text should be easy to read up close, and the letterforms should be distinct from one another.
- Aesthetics: The overall look of the text should be pleasing, and it should complement the overall design of the interface.”
What are your thoughts on iconography in interfaces?
Iconography is important in interfaces because it helps users understand what they are looking at and how to interact with it. By using icons, designers can create a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Example: “I think iconography is a great way to add visual interest and clarity to interfaces. Icons can help break up text-heavy pages, and can provide a quick way for users to identify the purpose of a particular button or link. When used effectively, icons can make interfaces more intuitive and user-friendly.”
How do you approach layout when creating interfaces?
An interviewer might ask this question to an interactive designer to better understand the designer's process for creating interfaces. It is important to know how the designer approaches layout because it can impact the overall usability of the interface. If the designer does not have a clear process for creating layouts, it is likely that the interface will be less user-friendly.
Example: “There are a few things to consider when approaching layout for interfaces. First, you need to think about the overall structure of the interface and how the various elements will be arranged. This includes considering the hierarchy of information and how users will navigate through the interface. Second, you need to think about the visual design of the interface and how the various elements will work together to create a cohesive whole. This includes considering things like color, typography, and iconography. Finally, you need to think about the interaction design of the interface and how users will interact with the various elements. This includes considering things like buttons, menus, and forms.”
What challenges do you think arise when designing for mobile devices?
Designing for mobile devices can be challenging because the screen size is small, and designers must be careful not to include too much information or make the text too small. It is important to consider the user experience when designing for mobile devices, as users are often interacting with the device while they are on the go.
Example: “One of the biggest challenges when designing for mobile devices is creating a user interface (UI) that is both easy to use and visually appealing. This can be a challenge because mobile devices have smaller screens and less processing power than desktop computers, so designers must carefully consider how they use space and what type of information to display. Another challenge is designing for different types of mobile devices. For example, a design that looks good on an iPhone might not look as good on an Android phone. designers must also keep in mind that people use mobile devices in different ways than they use desktop computers, so they need to take into account things like touch screens and thumb-friendly buttons.”
How do you approach animation and motion when creating interfaces?
An interviewer might ask "How do you approach animation and motion when creating interfaces?" to an Interactive Designer to get a sense of their design process and how they think about animation and motion in relation to user experience. It is important to consider animation and motion when creating interfaces because it can help guide users through an interface, call attention to important elements, and make an interface more engaging.
Example: “There are a few things to consider when animating interfaces:
-The overall goal of the animation
-The user's needs and expectations
-The type of interface being animated
-The devices being used
With that in mind, here are a few tips for creating animations:
-Start with the basics. A simple animation can often be more effective than a complex one.
-Keep it short. Users don't want to wait around for an animation to finish.
-Make it smooth. Jerky or choppy animations can be distracting and off-putting.
-Test it on different devices. What looks good on a desktop computer might not look so good on a mobile phone.”
What are your thoughts on microinteractions?
An interviewer might ask "What are your thoughts on microinteractions?" to an Interactive Designer to get a sense of the Designer's understanding of how small details in an interface can affect a user's experience. It is important because microinteractions are one of the many factors that can make or break a user's experience with a product, and so it is important for designers to be aware of their effects and how to design them effectively.
Example: “Microinteractions are a great way to add polish and interactivity to a design. They can help make complex interactions more understandable, and can add an element of fun and playfulness to a design. When used correctly, microinteractions can help create a more engaging and enjoyable user experience.”
How do you think about color when designing interfaces?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an interactive designer. One reason is to gauge the designer's understanding of color theory and how it can be applied to create visually appealing and effective interfaces. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in learning how the designer approaches color when working with clients or stakeholders who may have specific preferences or requirements. Understanding the designer's process for incorporating color into interfaces can help the interviewer assess the designer's overall approach to design.
In general, it is important for designers to have a strong understanding of color theory in order to create interfaces that are both visually appealing and effective. Color can be used to create contrast, direct attention, and convey emotion, so it is important that designers have a good understanding of how to use color when creating interfaces. Additionally, it is important for designers to be aware of potential accessibility issues that can arise when using certain colors, such as using colors that are not high contrast enough for people with vision impairments.
Example: “Color is one of the most important aspects of designing interfaces, as it can help to create a certain mood or feeling, guide the user's eye to important elements, and make the overall design more visually appealing. When choosing colors for an interface, it is important to consider the brand identity and the target audience, as well as the purpose of the interface. For example, a bright and colorful interface might be more appropriate for a children's game than a business website. It is also important to create a color scheme that is easy on the eyes and not too jarring, as this can cause users to lose focus or become frustrated.”
Do you think there are any common mistakes made when designing interfaces? If so, what are they?
An interviewer would ask "Do you think there are any common mistakes made when designing interfaces?" to an Interactive Designer to gain insight into the Designer's understanding of interface design principles and their ability to identify common mistakes. It is important to know if the Designer is aware of common mistakes in order to avoid making them yourself. Additionally, it shows that the Designer is able to learn from the mistakes of others and improve their own work.
Example: “There are a few common mistakes that are often made when designing interfaces. One is not taking into account the user's needs and instead focusing on the aesthetics of the design. Another mistake is not making the interface intuitive and easy to use. A third mistake is not testing the interface with actual users to see if it is effective.”
How do you think about accessibility when creating interfaces?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an interactive designer. First, it is important to consider accessibility when creating interfaces because it ensures that everyone can use the interface, regardless of their ability. Second, it shows that the designer is thinking about the user experience and how to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for everyone. Finally, it demonstrates that the designer is aware of the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
Example: “When creating interfaces, it is important to think about accessibility in order to ensure that everyone can use the interface, regardless of any disabilities they may have. There are a few key things to keep in mind when designing accessible interfaces:
1. Make sure that the interface can be used with any input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen. This means that all functionality should be available using only keyboard input, and that elements should be large enough and spaced far enough apart to be easily clicked or tapped on a touch screen.
2. Ensure that the interface can be navigated easily by people who are blind or have low vision. This means using clear and concise text labels, and providing enough contrast between foreground and background colors. It also means ensuring that elements can be programmatically determined to be focusable.
3. Make sure that the interface can be used by people with cognitive disabilities. This means using clear and concise text labels, and avoiding complex or confusing layout. It also means providing feedback when actions are taken, such as error messages if an invalid input is entered.”
What tools do you use to help with the design process?
There are many tools that interactive designers use to help with the design process, and it is important for the interviewer to know what tools the designer is familiar with. This question also allows the interviewer to gauge the designer's level of experience and expertise.
Example: “There are a variety of tools that can help with the design process, depending on the specific needs of the project. For example, sketching and wireframing tools can be used to create initial concepts and layouts, while more sophisticated tools like Photoshop or Illustrator can be used for creating detailed visuals. In addition, there are many software programs that can be used for prototyping and testing user interactions.”
How do you think about working with developers during the design process?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an Interactive Designer. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the Designer's level of experience working with developers. Secondly, it allows the interviewer to understand the Designer's process for working with developers and how they think about incorporating feedback. Finally, it allows the interviewer to get a sense for the Designer's ability to communicate and collaborate with other team members.
This question is important because the success of any design project depends heavily on the communication and collaboration between the designer and developer(s). If the designer does not have a good understanding of how to work with developers, or if they are not able to effectively communicate their vision and incorporate feedback, the project is likely to suffer.
Example: “I think it is important to have a good relationship with developers during the design process because they are the ones who will be implementing the designs. I like to collaborate with developers and get their input during the design process so that we can come up with the best solution together. I think it is also important to communicate clearly with developers so that they understand the design intent and can implement it accurately.”
How do you approach user testing when designing interfaces?
An interviewer would ask "How do you approach user testing when designing interfaces?" to a/an Interactive Designer because it is important to ensure that the interfaces being designed are effective and easy to use for the intended users. User testing can help identify any issues with the design so that they can be addressed before the final product is released.
Example: “User testing is an important part of the design process, as it allows designers to see how users interact with their interfaces and identify any areas that may need improvement. There are a number of different ways to approach user testing, but one common method is to create a prototype of the interface and have users test it out. This can be done by having users complete tasks using the prototype, and then asking them for feedback afterwards. Another approach is to observe users as they use the interface in its current state, and take note of any areas where they seem to struggle.”
What are your thoughts on using feedback to improve designs?
The interviewer is asking the Interactive Designer for their thoughts on using feedback to improve designs because it is an important part of the design process. Feedback can help designers identify areas that need improvement and make changes to their designs accordingly. It is important to get feedback from a variety of sources, including users, to ensure that designs are as effective as possible.
Example: “Feedback is an essential part of the design process, and it can be incredibly helpful in improving designs. However, it's important to use feedback wisely, and to consider all feedback carefully before making any changes to a design. Not all feedback will be equally useful, and some feedback may even be contradictory. It's up to the designer to use their judgement to decide what changes, if any, should be made based on feedback.”
Have you ever encountered a design challenge that was particularly difficult to solve? If so, how did you go about solving it?
An interviewer would ask "Have you ever encountered a design challenge that was particularly difficult to solve? If so, how did you go about solving it?" to an Interactive Designer to gauge the designer's problem-solving skills. This question is important because the ability to solve problems is critical for success as an Interactive Designer.
Example: “I have encountered several design challenges that were difficult to solve, but I usually approach them in the same way. First, I try to understand the problem as best as I can and identify all of the potential constraints. Then, I brainstorm several possible solutions and evaluate each one against the constraints. Finally, I choose the best solution and implement it.”
Do you have any tips on ways to stay creative when designing interfaces?
An interviewer might ask "Do you have any tips on ways to stay creative when designing interfaces?" to a/an Interactive Designer in order to gauge the Designer's creativity and ability to come up with new ideas. This is important because the ability to be creative is essential for designing successful interfaces that users will enjoy using.
Example: “There are a few ways to stay creative when designing interfaces:
1. Take inspiration from other designers and sources outside of your usual comfort zone. By looking at other designers' work, you can see how they approach problems and find new ways to solve them.
2. Experiment with new tools and techniques. Trying out new software or learning new skills can help you to approach problems in new ways and find new solutions.
3. Take breaks and allow yourself time to relax. Sometimes the best ideas come when you're not actively trying to think of them. By taking breaks and giving yourself time to relax, you can allow your mind to wander and come up with new ideas.”
What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind when designing interfaces?
An interviewer might ask "What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind when designing interfaces?" to a/an Interactive Designer to gain insights into the Interactive Designer's design process and understanding of interface design principles. It is important to keep in mind the user's needs when designing interfaces as the user's experience is paramount. The interface should be designed in a way that is easy to use and understand so that the user can accomplish their tasks efficiently.
Example: “There are many factors to consider when designing interfaces, but one of the most important things to keep in mind is the user experience. The interface should be designed in a way that is easy to use and navigate, and that provides a positive experience for the user. Additionally, it is important to consider the overall look and feel of the interface, as well as the functionality and purpose of each element.”
Do you have any examples of interface designs that you particularly admire?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge your design sensibilities and see if your taste aligns with the company's. Second, they may be trying to get a sense of what kind of work you're interested in and what inspires you. And third, they may be trying to get a sense of your process and how you approach design problems.
This question is important because it can help the interviewer understand your design approach and whether or not you would be a good fit for the company. If you have specific examples of designs that you admire, it shows that you are thoughtful about design and have a good eye for detail. This question can also help the interviewer understand your design process and how you approach problems.
Example: “There are many interface designs that I admire for their simplicity, functionality and aesthetic appeal. Some examples include the interfaces for Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad, Google products such as Gmail and Google Maps, and Microsoft products such as Outlook and Skype. I also really like the design of the social media site Pinterest and the video streaming site Netflix.”