10 Interaction Designer Interview Questions and Answers for product designers

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in interaction design?

My passion for interaction design was inspired by my desire to create meaningful digital experiences that make a positive impact on people's lives. During my studies, I focused on developing interactive prototypes for mobile applications that aim to improve health and wellness. I worked on a project for a fitness app that encouraged users to increase their physical activity levels through goal setting and rewards. After launching the app, user engagement increased by 25% and the overall satisfaction rate of users increased from 3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars.

Later on, I had the opportunity to work as an interaction designer for a financial technology startup. My focus was on improving the user experience of their mobile banking app. After conducting extensive user research and testing, I was able to increase the completion rate of a key onboarding task by 40%, leading to a decrease in customer churn rate.

These experiences solidified my passion for creating seamless and enjoyable digital experiences that solve real-world problems. I am excited to continue using my skills as an interaction designer to create high-quality products that truly make a positive impact on people's lives.

2. What do you think separates great interaction designers from good ones?

A great interaction designer stands out from a good one in several ways:

• Ability to understand the user's pain points: While a good interaction designer can identify usability issues, a great one can empathize with the user and understand their needs. For instance, I worked on a project where our target users had cognitive disabilities. I conducted extensive user research and created a design that made it easy for them to navigate the website. As a result, our website's bounce rate decreased by 30% in the first month after launch.
• Strong communication skills: A great interaction designer is skilled at communicating their design rationale, ideas and concepts. They have a balance of creativity and problem-solving to conceptualize, iterate, and present their ideas effectively. For example, I presented my design process and solution for a chatbot interface redesign at a design conference. My presentation was well-received by the audience, and my team received a contract for a new chatbot project.
• Attention to detail: Great interaction designers understand the importance of minute details. They are focused on every aspect of the design, including typography, color, layout, and hierarchy, among others. For instance, in a project, I was responsible for designing a mobile app for a client who wanted to improve their customer retention rate. I did extensive research and found that the negative space ratio in the app was affecting the retention rate. So, I adjusted the space ratio, and our client saw an increase in customer retention by 25% in the first month after launch.
• Continuous learning: The design industry is dynamic and rapidly changing; hence a great interaction designer is open to learn and adapt to new trends and technologies. For example, I have completed several online courses in AR design, which has helped me to design AR experiences for clients in the education and entertainment sectors.

3. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to balance competing design constraints? How did you approach this problem?

During my time as an interaction designer at XYZ Company, I encountered a project where I had to balance competing design constraints. Our team was tasked with revamping the user interface of the company's flagship product before the end of the quarter.

1. One major constraint was that we could not change the core functionality of the product. This meant that we had to work within the existing framework and design guidelines, which were somewhat outdated.
2. Another constraint was the tight deadline. We had only three weeks to complete the redesign and get it to market.
3. Finally, we had to prioritize the user experience, while keeping in mind the business objectives of the company, such as increasing user engagement and conversion rates.

To approach this problem, I began by conducting research on the current user experience and comparing it to industry best practices. Based on my findings, I identified the areas where we could improve the user experience without deviating from the existing functionality.

Next, I collaborated with our development team to ensure that our design concepts were feasible within the given timeframe. We reviewed multiple iterations of wireframes and prototypes, gathering feedback and making iterative improvements.

To prioritize the user experience, we conducted user testing and analyzed metrics from previous versions of the product. We found that users were struggling with certain features, and we prioritized those improvements in our design.

As a result of our efforts, we were able to deliver a redesigned product that improved the user experience, while meeting all of the constraints we faced. User engagement increased by 25% within the first month of launch, and conversion rates increased by 15%. Our team received positive feedback from both users and company stakeholders.

4. Can you walk me through your design process for a recent project?

For my most recent project, I started with a thorough understanding of the user's needs and goals. I conducted user research and created personas to guide my design decisions.

1. Empathize: I empathized with the users to gain a clear understanding of their needs and goals.
2. Define: I defined the problem statement and created user personas.
3. Ideate: I brainstormed ideas to solve the problem, using sketches and wireframes to create low-fidelity prototypes.
4. Design: I created high-fidelity designs based on user feedback and refined iterations of the prototypes.
5. Test: I conducted user testing to make sure that the design meets user needs and goals.

After the initial round of testing, I incorporated user feedback and made design changes. I conducted additional rounds of testing until I achieved a user experience that met the design requirements and data-driven goals.

As a result of my design process, our team improved user engagement by 25% and increased user retention by 15% compared to the previous design. These achievements are a testament to my user-centered design approach and data-driven decision making.

5. How do you ensure that your designs are accessible to users with different abilities?

As an interaction designer, I recognize the importance of accessibility in my designs. In order to ensure that my designs are accessible to users with different abilities, I incorporate a number of techniques in my design process.

1. Firstly, I consult government accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provided by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), to ensure that my designs meet the minimum requirements for accessibility.

2. Secondly, I conduct user testing with individuals who have different abilities, such as those with visual impairments or motor disabilities, to gain feedback on the accessibility of my designs. This allows me to identify areas of my design that may need improvement to be more accessible.

3. Thirdly, I use tools such as screen readers and keyboard-only navigation to check the accessibility of my designs. This allows me to identify any issues that could make my designs inaccessible to these users.

4. Finally, I collaborate with developers to ensure that my designs are implemented in an accessible way. This includes incorporating proper semantic HTML, providing alt text for images, and implementing proper keyboard navigation.

Through these techniques, I have been able to ensure that my designs are accessible to all users. In a previous project, I designed a website for a non-profit organization that provided resources for individuals with disabilities. Through my accessibility-focused design process, we received positive feedback from users with disabilities and saw a 20% increase in website traffic from these users.

6. How do you stay up-to-date with emerging design trends and technologies?

As an interaction designer, staying current with industry trends and technologies is paramount to delivering high-quality work. Here are a few ways I stay up-to-date:

1. Reading industry publications: I subscribe to multiple design publications, including Communication Arts, A List Apart, and Smashing Magazine. These publications offer insights into industry trends, as well as in-depth analysis of new technologies and techniques.
2. Attending conferences and workshops: I try to attend design conferences and workshops regularly, such as UX Week and Interaction Design Foundation. These events offer networking opportunities and expose me to new ideas and approaches.
3. Collaborating with peers: I find that working with other designers and attending meetups or design groups is a great way to stay current. These conversations spark ideas and provide insight into other designers’ approaches to similar challenges.
4. Continuing education: I participate in continuing education courses, such as those offered by General Assembly or LinkedIn Learning. Staying current with digital tools and software is just as important as keeping up with design trends.

By combining these approaches, I consistently maintain a fresh perspective on the industry and am able to identify unique solutions tailored to each project’s needs.

7. What methods do you use for user research and testing?

My preferred methods for user research and testing include:

1. Conducting interviews: I find insights through one-on-one interviews to be invaluable. During the early stages of a project, I’ll set up interviews with a variety of users (including those who are not our target demographic). This helps me identify patterns and understand user needs.
2. User testing: Once we’ve created prototypes, I like to conduct usability testing sessions. These sessions help me identify areas for improvement that I may have missed during the design process.
3. Analyzing user data: In addition to conducting one-on-one interviews, I analyze data from surveys, analytics, and other user feedback channels. This data helps me identify pain points in the user experience and opportunities for improvement. For example, during a recent project, we noticed a high drop-off rate on the registration page. By analyzing user data, we were able to identify that the form was too long and confusing. We made some changes to the form, and the drop-off rate decreased significantly.
4. Competitive analysis: I like to keep a close eye on the competition and how they are approaching similar design challenges. This helps me identify new opportunities and areas where we can differentiate ourselves.

Using these methods, I was able to improve the user experience on a recent project I worked on. After conducting user interviews, we identified that users were having trouble finding certain features within the app. We conducted usability testing to refine our design, and then analyzed data to identify more specific improvements. As a result, we were able to reduce the number of clicks required to complete certain tasks, which led to a 30% increase in user satisfaction metrics.

8. What do you consider to be your biggest strength as an interaction designer?

As an interaction designer, I firmly believe that my biggest strength lies in my ability to empathize with the end-users and anticipate their needs. This skill has allowed me to create designs that not only meet but exceed the expectations of users:

1. During my time at XYZ Company, I revamped the company's mobile app, reducing the number of steps it took for users to order products by 50%. As a result, the app received a 4.5-star rating, and the company saw a 20% increase in sales via the app within the first month of the launch.
2. While working on the website redesign at ABC Corp, I conducted extensive user research, and created prototypes and conducted usability studies. This resulted in a 44% increase in website traffic, with conversion rates going up by 30%.
3. Finally, my ability to empathize with users has led to my being able to create innovative solutions. For instance, at MNO Inc., I developed a new feature for their product that used augmented reality to help users visualize how the product would look in their home. This feature helped to increase sales by 25% within three months of its launch.

Overall, my ability to empathize with users and create innovative designs that meet their needs is my biggest strength that has helped me to deliver successful projects that meet business objectives.

9. Can you tell me about a time when you had to incorporate feedback into your designs?

During my time at XYZ company, I was tasked with designing a new user interface for their mobile app. After presenting my initial designs to my supervisor, I received feedback that the layout was confusing and overwhelming for users.

To incorporate this feedback, I first took a step back and evaluated the app's current layout and user flow. I researched user behavior and preferences in similar apps and considered the company's brand values and goals for the app.

Based on this analysis, I revised the layout to simplify and prioritize key features, while still maintaining a visually appealing design. I also incorporated new functionalities, such as swipe actions and dropdown menus, to enhance the user experience.

After implementing these changes, I conducted user testing with a group of 30 participants. The results showed a significant increase in user engagement and satisfaction, with 95% of participants stating that they found the new layout to be more intuitive and easier to navigate.

Overall, incorporating feedback into my design process not only improved the functionality of the app but also resulted in a positive impact on user experience and engagement.

10. How would you approach designing a product for users with little to no technical expertise?

Designing a product for users with little to no technical expertise can be challenging. However, I believe in researching and understanding the user's needs and preferences to design a product that is intuitive and easy to use.

1. Researching the user's needs: I would conduct user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to understand the user's needs and preferences. This would help me identify any pain points and barriers in the user's journey.
2. Simplifying the design: Based on my research, I would simplify the design and make it easy to navigate. I would avoid using complicated technical jargon and keep the language simple and straightforward.
3. Creating a user-friendly interface: I would prioritize the user interface and design a clean and simple layout. The interface would be designed using intuitive icons and imagery that makes it easy for users to understand the different features and functionalities.
4. Providing clear instructions: I would provide clear instructions and feedback prompts to guide users through the product. This includes providing step-by-step instructions for completing tasks, as well as error messages that highlight and explain any issues.
5. Testing and iterating: Once the product is designed, I would conduct usability tests with a group of users to test the effectiveness of the design. Based on the feedback, I would iterate and adjust the design to better meet the needs of the users.

As an example, when I was working on a project for a non-profit, we designed a mobile app for low-income families to access food assistance programs. Through extensive user research, we found that many of the users had limited access to technology and were not familiar with how to use mobile apps. To address this, we designed the app with a simple and intuitive user interface that used iconography to guide the user's journey. We also provided clear and concise instructions for each step of the process, which helped users complete their applications quickly and easily. As a result, the app was successful in connecting thousands of low-income families with food assistance programs.

Conclusion

After reading through these 10 interview questions and answers, you are now better prepared for your next interaction designer job interview! But before you apply, it's essential to ensure that your cover letter stands out and that you have an impressive CV to support your skills and experience. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to writing an outstanding cover letter and our tips on preparing a winning resume specifically for product designers. When you're ready to start your job search, don't forget to check out our remote product designer job board for amazing opportunities. Happy job hunting!