product design dissertation questions

How to write the perfect design dissertation

Tutors and students from top design colleges share their advice.

Studying design is about crafting a great design portfolio that will wow potential employers, right? Well, yes. But don't discount the importance of astute creative thinking, and expressing yourself eloquently through the written word. In short, your design dissertation matters.

"I don't believe that design students should be focused entirely on portfolio work," argues Myrna MacLeod , programme leader for Graphic Design at Edinburgh Napier University. "They should also be able to demonstrate an interest in the contexts that underpin their work, and the histories and connections that have informed our practice."

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"Think of a dissertation as an opportunity, not a burden," urges Craig Burston , Graphic and Media Design course leader at London College of Communication (LCC). "It gives us visually-minded people an opportunity to demonstrate that we too can construct arguments and distil complex notions." 

As Burston points out, this is not just an academic exercise: the power of persuasion is often key to success as a commercial designer. "Clients seek clarity, and project concepts or proposals need to be put into context," he says.

Read on to discover some top tips from leading tutors and their students for nailing your design dissertation…

01. Treat it like a design brief

"A great dissertation should be a designed artefact, and portfolio-worthy in its own right," says Burston. And like a design brief, it should be about solving a problem: "Make sure it has clearly stated aims, strong focus, and doesn't lack opinion or rhetoric," he adds.

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"The value of a designed dissertation as a portfolio piece is that it's a holistic view of the individual," agrees Sarah James , senior lecturer in Visual Communication at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). 

"It shows, type, editorial, research and aesthetic skill, as well as the personal interests and convictions of the individual."

James identifies AUB student Maarit Koobas , who investigated responsive type in both her dissertation and final project, as a particularly strong example of this. "Her design version was one of the most authentic, restrained and elegantly expressive I have ever received," she enthuses.

Koobas conducted a huge amount of initial research into both the contexts in which responsive type can be seen – such as advertising, product design, science and material cultures – and the theories behind its analysis, including semiotics, philosophy and politics. "Creating and analysing ideas, before they end up in your portfolio, is what design is all about," argues Koobas.

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02. Write about your passion

"To develop essay questions, AUB students are asked to consider what they love, hate or are puzzled by in their practice – essentially, what moves them," says James. 

"A poor dissertation is inauthentically chosen for ease as opposed to interest," she adds. "It rambles and blusters, using complex language to mask insufficient research." 

"You can tell a mile off when the writer isn't interested," agrees Burston. "How can you expect the reader to care about it if you don't? Write about something that reflects your interests, focus and direction. I've read fascinating dissertations on topics as diverse as patterns in nature, and Brutalist car parks. Make me interested in what interests you."

For Edinburgh Napier graduate Fiona Winchester , this topic turned out to be typography in graphic novels. "I love reading them, but I think people still don't take them seriously as an art form, which is a shame," she says. For her dissertation, she conducted qualitative interviews using modified pages with and without imagery (shown above). 

Her advice is simple: "Narrow down your idea to be as precise as possible. The smaller your question, the easier it is to research and try to answer it."

If you're struggling to get the ball rolling on the actual writing process, Winchester advocates starting with whichever bit you have ideas for. "If you're stuck, it's so much easier to write in whatever order it comes to you, and then edit it into a dissertation, than to try write straight through from beginning to end," she insists.

03. Don't be afraid to talk to people

"I always think my students get the most out of the new streams of knowledge they find from talking to people," says McLeod. "It breaks down barriers and allows them to find answers to problems. Hopefully they will adopt that approach when designing for people also."

In some cases, this can involve interviewing your design heroes. "Students are very surprised when they send a question to Stefan Sagmeister , Milton Glaser or Michael Wolff and they reply with the most precious nugget of knowledge," smiles McLeod. 

But remember: it's your dissertation, so don't get lazy and expect your interview subject to do all the heavy lifting.

In other cases, it could be as simple as asking friends or family to help proofread. "It is quite daunting writing such a large body of text," admits Kaori Toh , a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins, whose dissertation explored the politics of design and technology.

"I often felt I'd get lost in all that text and research," she confesses. "Therefore, I would often send my drafts to a couple of friends to have them look through, and keep my writing cohesive."

04. Reflect on your design practice 

Most of all, dissertations are an opportunity to reflect on, and develop, your creative process as a designer. "Ultimately, it's your job to make your work relevant and credible, and the dissertation helps you learn how to do this," adds Burston. 

Of course, writing doesn't always come easily to visually minded people – and Burston highlights the fact that dyslexia is not uncommon amongst designers. 

"You're not on your own – in our profession, quite the opposite in fact – so do seek academic support, and just enjoy thinking and writing about 'stuff' that informs your practice," is his advice.

One of Burston's stand-out students from this year, Tom Baber , welcomed support from the university to help with his dyslexia. Baber's dissertation focused on type design, and particularly the extent to which the longwinded design process is worth the effort, compared to using an existing typeface.

"I saw it as an opportunity to approach other type designers and see what they thought. Turns out I'm not the first to ask the question," he smiles. "Writing my dissertation helped me change from a 'maker' mentality to a 'designer' mentality, and be more critical of my ideas."

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'New product design'

Create a spot-on reference in apa, mla, chicago, harvard, and other styles.

Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'New product design.'

Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.

You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.

Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.

Corbett, Brian. "Configuration design methods and mathematics for product families." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/17283.

Gustafsson, Leonardo. "DESIGN OF NEW COSMETIC PRODUCT." Thesis, Jönköping University, Internationella Handelshögskolan, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-54751.

Smith, Alfred, and Jari Oikarinen. "Design study of a new product." Thesis, Tekniska Högskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, JTH, Maskinteknik, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-40877.

Kühlenthal, Jessica Courtney. "Mapping product design as a transdisciplinary service." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2829.

Siddique, Zahed. "Common platform development : designing for product variety." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/17698.

Aykroyd, Timothy N. "Value assessment of new product innovations." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/43173.

Daley, John. "Autonomic product development process automation /." Diss., CLICK HERE for online access, 2007. http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/ETD/image/etd1958.pdf.

Venkatraman, Rajagopal. "Role of design service firms in product innovation." Link to electronic thesis, 2005. http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/ETD/Available/etd-010406-181802/.

Wegmershaus, Luciano John Paul. "Design for commercialisation : enabling innovative product ideas through supportive creative environments." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2407.

Miller, Philip N. "Assessing creftsmanship at early design in product development /." View online ; access limited to URI, 2004. http://0-wwwlib.umi.com.helin.uri.edu/dissertations/dlnow/3135911.

呂定鏗 and Ting-hang Mantin Lu. "A virtual design platform for interactive product design and visualization." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2002. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31226425.

Lu, Ting-hang Mantin. "A virtual design platform for interactive product design and visualization /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 2002. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?

Marin, Vidal Flavio Alejandro. "Metaphor and cognition| Creativity in new product design." Thesis, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Mexico), 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3570883.

Through nine experiments, this research advances knowledge about the influence of metaphors grounded in the visual sensory system on creative cognition by showing that perceiving ostensibly task-unrelated visual images that carry metaphoric meaning alters consumers’ creativity. While the results of Experiments 1a, 1b, and 2 provide convergent evidence that positive visual metaphors representing ideas like “ I just had a light go on ” increase consumers’ creative output, Experiments 3a and 3b reveals that a negative visual metaphor conveying ideas like “ I am burnt out ” decrease it. Experiments 4a and 4b show that aptness and familiarity moderate the metaphor creativity link, and Experiment 6 shows that the metaphor–creativity link is moderated by analogical reasoning skills. Experiment 5 uncovers the mediating role of creative intent. In addition to implying that marketers can use metaphors to enhance consumers’ creative feedback in areas like new product development, this research also makes important theoretical contributions by showing (1) that grounded visual metaphors (in addition to tangible objects or physical exercises) can not only raise but also lower creative output, (2) that the cognitive relationship to the metaphor alters the metaphor-creativity link, (3) that a unique cognitive skill alters the metaphor–creativity link, and (4) that consumers’ intentions explain that relationship.

Wang, Yu-Han. "Chinese cultural features for new product design development." Thesis, Brunel University, 2016. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/12185.

Choudhury, Abhijit Kumar. "Integrated product and its extended enterprise network design using lean principles." Diss., Rolla, Mo. : University of Missouri-Rolla, 2007. http://scholarsmine.mst.edu/thesis/pdf/Choudhury_completeThesis_09007dcc8043f64f.pdf.

CASSEL, JULIA, and AGNES ÖSTEVIK. "Translucent concrete in product design : Implementation of a new segment of design products through Strategic branding." Thesis, KTH, Produkt- och tjänstedesign, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-248054.

Venkatraman, Rajagopal. "Role of design service firms in product innovation." Digital WPI, 2006. https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/etd-theses/4.

Sreekumar, Anoop. "A Framework for Modular Product Design based on Design for 'X' Methodology." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1367924823.

Balasubramaniam, Anitha. "Financial modeling of new product development economics." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/90707.

Pedgley, Owain F. "Industrial designers' attention to materials and manufacturing processes : analyses at macroscopic and microscopic levels." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1999. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7155.

Kuleli, Kerem. "User-product Interaction In New Product Encounters: Prominence Of User Expertise And Product Properties." Master's thesis, METU, 2005. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12606620/index.pdf.

Ughanwa, Davidson Oyemeka. "The role of new product design in international competitiveness." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 1986. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.329822.

McCarthy, Daniel J. (Daniel Joseph). "Phantom work : design iteration timing in new product development." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/47833.

Smith, Ariadne G. (Ariadne Geneviève). "New product development methods : a study of open design." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/78500.

Wang, H. M. "The quality management of new product design and development." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1993. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/3559.

Jones, Tim. "Functional interaction : diagnosing interface relationships in new product development." Thesis, University of Salford, 1998. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/26740/.

Elliott, A. C. "A comparative study of factors affecting product quality and customer needs compliance in the new product development process." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2000. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7356.

Lee, Sangwon. "TWO ESSAYS ON PRODUCT DESIGN AND CONSUMER EVALUATIONS." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2010. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/3939.

Tahir, Muhammad Rehan. "A new approach to product development in Islamic finance." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/47878.

Boult, Martin. "Lightness, sustainability, design : framing product design : this thesis is submitted to Auckland University of Technology in partial fulfilment of the degree of Master of Arts in Art and Design, 2007." Click here to access this resource online, 2007. http://repositoryaut.lconz.ac.nz/theses/1347/.

Simpson, Timothy W. "A concept exploration method for product family design." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/17508.

Yang, Sen. "An evo-devo framework for product design evolution /." View abstract or full-text, 2007. http://library.ust.hk/cgi/db/thesis.pl?IELM%202007%20YANG.

Klingler, Jan Patrick. "Bacteria: In A New Light : exploring user to product relationships through microbiology." Thesis, Konstfack, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:konstfack:diva-6288.

Bhattacharya, Abhijeet. "Visual Brand Language – A Strategic Design Tool in New Product Development." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1212028922.

Bare, Marshall Edwin. "Structuring empirical methods for reuse and efficiency in product development processes /." Diss., CLICK HERE for online access, 2007. http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/ETD/image/etd1676.pdf.

Sethebe, Keaboka M. "The development of product design guidelines based on a new conceptual framework." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2012. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/11173.

Bauer, Matthew David. "Integration of product and disassembly process design in parametric synthesis." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/17842.

Shi, Jun, and 石均. "Web-based 'design for X' in collaborative product development." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2002. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31243587.

Shi, Jun. "Web-based 'design for X' in collaborative product development /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 2002. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B24520913.

Hjälmefjord, Helena. "BRANDS, CUSTOMERS AND PRODUCTS - FINDING THE OPTIMAL SOLUTION WHEN INCLUDING A NEW PRODUCT TO A WELL-KNOWN BRAND." Thesis, Halmstad University, School of Business and Engineering (SET), 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-1104.

The aim of this thesis is to define the optimal branding strategy for a new product; the InSure FIT Test; into an existing company with a well-known brand; HemoCue AB. This product will be the first in a row of new products that HemoCue will distribute, that has not been developed and manufactured by the company.

Design management refers to an approach whereby organizations make design-relevant decisions in a market and customer-oriented way as well as optimizing design-relevant processes. The thesis uses a design management approach by analyzing the brand, defining the customer and their wants and needs, and identifying the added values of the product.

The brand is analyzed first, and three different branding alternatives are presented, namely brand extension, co-branding and distribution only. Face-to-face interviews are performed with both internal and external customers of HemoCue AB to understand their image of the company. The customers’ images are compared to the identity that the company wants to transmit. After this the customers of the InSure products are identified, and Persona for the different customers are created. The creation of persona enables us to understand the users’ wants and needs. Last the InSure product is analyzed, identifying how it fits into the Mission, Vision and other statements that HemoCue makes.

From the information gathered SWOT analyses are performed on each branding alternative. The most important criterion are weighted and the branding alternatives are weighted in regards to the branding alternatives. The conclusion is made that the co-branding alternative is the optimal branding solution for the HemoCue company, as well as providing several benefits for the InSure product. This suggested branding solution may also be useable for the future portfolio extensions in the HemoCue and Quest Diagnostic companies.

Santos, Reyes D. E. "The development of a design for the environment methodology : (D E M)." Thesis, University of Salford, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.301463.

Dahl, Darren W. "The use of visual mental imagery in new product design." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp02/NQ34546.pdf.

Ibrahim, Fuziah. "The relationship between design and marketing in new product development." Thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.260348.

Malluzzo, Tomas. "Marine System Design in New Product Development under Technological Uncertainty." Thesis, KTH, Marina system, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-223332.

Carone, Michael Joseph. "Augmenting the product platform constructal theory method for multiple objectives." Thesis, Available online, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004:, 2003. http://etd.gatech.edu/theses/available/etd-04062004-164618/unrestricted/carone%5Fmichael%5Fj%5F200312%5Fms.pdf.

Pakala, Padmavathi Krishna. "Optimal formation of supplier networks for product design and production phases to realize an evolving product family." Diss., Rolla, Mo. : University of Missouri-Rolla, 2007. http://scholarsmine.mst.edu/thesis/pdf/Pakala_completeThesis_09007dcc8043f836.pdf.

Radford, Scott K. "Have you seen the new model? visual design and product newness /." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4654.

Panchal, Jitesh H. "Towards a design support system for distributed product realization." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/19083.

Todorovic, Jelena. "The New Gym Bag." Thesis, Malmö högskola, Fakulteten för teknik och samhälle (TS), 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-20045.

Holdstock, Brian P. "The management of surface finish decisions in new product design and development." Thesis, University of Brighton, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.263098.

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Dissertations & projects: Research questions

• Research questions
• The process of reviewing
• Project management
• Literature-based projects

Jump to content on these pages:

“The central question that you ask or hypothesis you frame drives your research: it defines your purpose.” Bryan Greetham, How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation

This page gives some help and guidance in developing a realistic research question. It also considers the role of sub-questions and how these can influence your methodological choices. 

Choosing your research topic

You may have been provided with a list of potential topics or even specific questions to choose from. It is more common for you to have to come up with your own ideas and then refine them with the help of your tutor. This is a crucial decision as you will be immersing yourself in it for a long time.

Some students struggle to find a topic that is sufficiently significant and yet researchable within the limitations of an undergraduate project. You may feel overwhelmed by the freedom to choose your own topic but you could get ideas by considering the following:

Choose a topic that you find interesting . This may seem obvious but a lot of students go for what they think will be easy over what they think will be interesting - and regret it when they realise nothing is particularly easy and they are bored by the work. Think back over your lectures or talks from visiting speakers - was there anything you really enjoyed? Was there anything that left you with questions?

Choose something distinct . Whilst at undergraduate level you do not have to find something completely unique, if you find something a bit different you have more opportunity to come to some interesting conclusions. Have you some unique experiences that you can bring: personal biography, placements, study abroad etc?

Don't make your topic too wide . If your topic is too wide, it will be harder to develop research questions that you can actually answer in the context of a small research project.

Don't make your work too narrow . If your topic is too narrow, you will not be able to expand on the ideas sufficiently and make useful conclusions. You may also struggle to find enough literature to support it.

Scope out the field before deciding your topic . This is especially important if you have a few different options and are not sure which to pick. Spend a little time researching each one to get a feel for the amount of literature that exists and any particular avenues that could be worth exploring.

Think about your future . Some topics may fit better than others with your future plans, be they for further study or employment. Becoming more expert in something that you may have to be interviewed about is never a bad thing!

Once you have an idea (or even a few), speak to your tutor. They will advise on whether it is the right sort of topic for a dissertation or independent study. They have a lot of experience and will know if it is too much to take on, has enough material to build on etc.

Developing a research question or hypothesis

Research question vs hypothesis.

First, it may be useful to explain the difference between a research question and a hypothesis. A research question is simply a question that your research will address and hopefully answer (or give an explanation of why you couldn't answer it). A hypothesis is a statement that suggests how you expect something to function or behave (and which you would test to see if it actually happens or not).

Research question examples

• How significant is league table position when students choose their university?
• What impact can a diagnosis of depression have on physical health?

Note that these are open questions - i.e. they cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. This is the best form of question.

Hypotheses examples

• Students primarily choose their university based on league table position.
• A diagnosis of depression can impact physical health.

Note that these are things that you can test to see if they are true or false. This makes them more definite then research questions - but you can still answer them more fully than 'no they don't' or 'yes it does'. For example, in the above examples you would look to see how relevant other factors were when choosing universities and in what ways physical health may be impacted.

For more examples of the same topic formulated as hypotheses, research questions and paper titles see those given at the bottom of this document from Oakland University: Formulation of Research Hypothesis

Which do you need?

Generally, research questions are more common in the humanities, social sciences and business, whereas hypotheses are more common in the sciences. This is not a hard rule though, talk things through with your supervisor to see which they are expecting or which they think fits best with your topic.

What makes a good research question or hypothesis?

Unless you are undertaking a systematic review as your research method, you will develop your research question  as a result of reviewing the literature on your broader topic. After all, it is only by seeing what research has already been done (or not) that you can justify the need for your question or your approach to answering it. At the end of that process, you should be able to come up with a question or hypothesis that is:

• Clear (easily understandable)
• Focused (specific not vague or huge)
• Answerable (the data is available and analysable in the time frame)
• Relevant (to your area of study)
• Significant (it is worth answering)

You can try a few out, using a table like this (yours would all be in the same discipline):

A similar, though different table is available from the University of California: What makes a good research topic?   The completed table has some supervisor comments which may also be helpful.

Ultimately, your final research question will be mutually agreed between yourself and your supervisor - but you should always bring your own ideas to the conversation.

The role of sub-questions

Your main research question will probably still be too big to answer easily. This is where sub-questions come in. They are specific, narrower questions that you can answer directly from your data.

So, looking at the question " How much do online users know and care about how their self-images can be used by Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook? " from the table above, the sub-questions could be:

• What rights do the terms and conditions of signing up for Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook accounts give those companies regarding the use of self-images?
• What proportion of users read the terms and conditions when creating accounts with these companies?
• How aware are users of the rights they are giving away regarding their self-images when creating accounts with these companies?
• How comfortable are users with giving away these rights?

Together, the answers to your sub-questions should enable you to answer the overarching research question.

How do you answer your sub-questions?

Depending on the type of dissertation/project your are undertaking, some (or all) the questions may be answered with information collected from the literature and some (or none) may be answered by analysing data directly collected as part of your primary empirical research .

In the above example, the first question would be answered by documentary analysis of the relevant terms and conditions, the second by a mixture of reviewing the literature and analysing survey responses from participants and the last two also by analysing survey responses. Different projects will require different approaches.

Some sub-questions could be answered by reviewing the literature and others from empirical study.

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Research Question Examples – Guide & Tips

Published by Owen Ingram at August 13th, 2021 , Revised On April 4, 2024

All  research questions should be focused, researchable, feasible to answer, specific to find results, complex, and relevant to your field of study. The research question’s factors will be; the research problem ,  research type , project length, and time frame.

Research questions provide boundaries to your research project and provide a clear approach to collect and compile data. Understanding your research question better is necessary to find unique facts and figures to publish your research.

Search and study some research question examples or research questions relevant to your field of study before writing your own research question.

Research Questions for Dissertation Examples

Below are 10 examples of research questions that will enable you to develop research questions for your research.

These examples will help you to check whether your chosen research questions can be addressed or whether they are too broad to find a conclusive answer.

Does your Research Methodology Have the Following?

Orders completed by our expert writers are

• Great Research/Sources
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If not, we can help. Our panel of experts makes sure to keep the 3 pillars of Research Methodology strong.

A dissertation is an important milestone no matter what academic level or subject it is. You will be asked to write a dissertation on a  topic of your choice  and make a substantial contribution to academic and scientific communities.

The project will start with the  planning and designing of a project before the actual write-up phase. There are many stages in the dissertation process , but the most important is developing a research question that guides your research.

If you are starting your dissertation, you will have to conduct preliminary research to  find a problem and research gap as the first step of the process. The second step is to write  research questions that specify your topic and the relevant problem you want to address.

How can we Help you with Research Questions?

If you are still unsure about writing dissertation research questions and perhaps want to see  more examples , you might be interested in getting help from our dissertation writers.

At ResearchProspect, we have UK-qualified writers holding Masters and PhD degrees in all academic subjects. Whether you need help with only developing research questions or any other aspect of your dissertation paper , we are here to help you achieve your desired grades for an affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of a research question.

Examples of research questions:

• How does social media influence self-esteem in adolescents?
• What are the economic impacts of climate change on agriculture?
• What factors contribute to employee job satisfaction in the tech industry?
• How does exercise frequency affect cardiovascular health?
• What is the relationship between sleep duration and academic performance in college students?

What are some examples of research questions in the classroom?

• How do interactive whiteboards impact student engagement?
• Does peer tutoring improve maths proficiency?
• How does classroom seating arrangement influence student participation?
• What’s the effect of gamified learning on student motivation?
• Does integrating technology in lessons enhance critical thinking skills?
• How does feedback frequency affect student performance?

What are some examples of research questions in Geography?

• How does urbanisation impact local microclimates?
• What factors influence water scarcity in Region X?
• How do migration patterns correlate with economic disparities?
• What’s the relationship between deforestation and soil erosion in Area Y?
• How have coastlines changed over the past decade?
• Why are certain regions’ biodiversity hotspots?

What are some examples of research questions in Psychology?

• How does social media usage affect adolescent self-esteem?
• What factors contribute to resilience in trauma survivors?
• How does sleep deprivation impact decision-making abilities?
• Are certain teaching methods more effective for children with ADHD?
• What are the psychological effects of long-term social isolation?
• How do early attachments influence adult relationships?

What are the three basic research questions?

The three basic types of research questions are:

• Descriptive: Seeks to depict a phenomenon or issue. E.g., “What are the symptoms of depression?”
• Relational: Investigates relationships between variables. E.g., “Is there a correlation between stress and heart disease?”
• Causal: Determines cause and effect. E.g., “Does smoking cause lung cancer?”

You May Also Like

Struggling to find relevant and up-to-date topics for your dissertation? Here is all you need to know if unsure about how to choose dissertation topic.

How to write a hypothesis for dissertation,? A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested with the help of experimental or theoretical research.

This article is a step-by-step guide to how to write statement of a problem in research. The research problem will be half-solved by defining it correctly.

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The Top 10 Product Design Interview Questions (And Answers)

You’ve put in the hours to find a product design opening at a company you like. You’ve polished your portfolio, tweaked your resume, and written a solid cover letter. Over the first hurdle.

You’ve spoken to the recruiter and they’ve invited you to an interview. Over the second hurdle.

Now it’s time to nail your interview prep so you can really shine.

I’ve written this guide to show you 10 of the most common product design interview questions and give you an idea about how you can answer them.

To help you structure your preparation, I’ve divided the questions into four categories: common interview questions, broad product design interview questions, product design process questions, and collaboration questions. 

If you’re just getting started in the field, check out our free 5-day short course in product design.

Use this clickable menu to skip ahead to any section:

Common interview questions

• Broad product design questions

Questions about processes

Questions about collaboration, 1. why do you want to work at [company name].

This is a fantastic opportunity to show off the research you have done about the company, so take the chance to let your passion and enthusiasm for the role shine through. 

Prepare for this question by finding a few interesting facts about the company, analyzing them on a deeper level, and getting ready to explain your analysis and how they resonate with you. Examples could be a new product they’ve released, or an interesting press interview with their CPO about their product roadmap. 

If you’re not already a user of their product, sign up for it and test it out, noting down your thoughts as you go. (This may not be possible for some products, for example enterprise SaaS software, but you can still watch product walk-throughs on YouTube.)

This is also a chance to show how your specific skills match up to the role in question (and the problem they’re trying to solve with this role). But make sure to cover how you buy into the overall company mission and values.  

2. Tell us about yourself.

Even if it’s not worded exactly like this, it’s very unlikely there won’t be an interview question that doesn’t have broadly the same meaning as this one. Often it’ll be the first question. 

It’s such a common interview question because it’s the easiest way for interviewers to quickly understand your story. They’ll be looking for clues about the kind of person you are, what motivates you professionally, how you see yourself, your goals, and even your communication ability and style. They’ll be assessing how you might fit in the role and the team.

If you’re not a natural at talking about yourself and your achievements, don’t worry—most people aren’t. You do need to be well-prepared for this question. You need to answer it thoroughly, but without seeming overly scripted (this applies to all interview questions).

Make sure to briefly cover:

• Where you’re from and your educational background.
• A trimmed down version of your professional history including your current role. There’s no need to go into achievements yet, as that can come off as forced, and you’ll have opportunities to do that later in the interview.
• What drew you to product design and what you love about the job. Passion goes a long way in interviews, whatever the role is.

3. What are you currently working on?

This question is often one the recruiter on the screening call might ask you, but it could also come up at any of the interview stages. They’re asking this question to see how well-suited and relevant your current role and priorities are to their position. Recruiters will also want to make sure your resume or CV is credible and legitimate.

It might sound easy to answer off the cuff, but don’t fall into that trap. This is a fantastic opportunity to speak articulately and convincingly about how you’re putting your product design skills to use in a serious way, so don’t make it up on the spot. Doing so puts you at risk of giving a vague or waffling answer. 

As a minimum you should cover your highest priority project and its goals, impact, and importance to your company’s strategic goals. Don’t forget to go into the specifics of your responsibilities and tasks, the stakeholders, your successes so far, and your challenges.

If you’re working on multiple projects, pick the two you’re most comfortable talking about and explain them in the same way as above. You can make a judgment call on mentioning other projects, but name-checking them won’t do any harm.    

Before we move onto broad product design interview questions, here are a few other common interview questions that might come up:

• How would you build up your credibility at this company?
• What’s your legacy at your current company or last company?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

We don’t have the space to go into details on these, but they’re definitely worth thinking about.

Broad product design interview questions

4. what problem does [company] solve for people.

This question get straight to the heart of two key things the interviewers will want to learn about you:

• What do you know about their company? This can show them how much research you’ve done and how well you’ve synthesized and understood it.
• How do you connect the problem that the company is solving to its product design? Good product design is, in many ways, good problem solving. It’s all about deeply understanding the problem(s) your users are facing and then designing and building the right solution for it.

There’s no excuse for not giving a very solid answer to this question.

Do broad and deep research about the company. Look at their marketing material, white papers, and any mission-critical goals they’ve expressed publicly. Get a tight grip on who their customers are (find quotes, testimonials, or even published user research or blogs if you can), the problem they’re solving for them, and wider market trends. 

Dropping in a comparison with a competitor or two might get you bonus points, but keep the main focus on their customer needs and how their product is meeting them. Using specific examples from their product will go a long way here.

5. Describe the project that you had the most trouble with. What would you have done differently? / What’s the hardest project you worked on?

According to candidates on Glassdoor, Google uses this product design interview question to help filter their candidates. And they’re not alone—many companies will have a similar question lined up.

Generally, the interviewers use this question to understand four things:

• The complexity of projects you’ve worked on
• How you approached and handled that complexity    
• How successful you were dealing with that complexity
• How you’ve learned from the challenges you faced

Spend plenty of time thinking over your work history and picking out some of the most complex projects. Assess them based on how complex they were, how successful you were in finding a solution, and how you grew from the challenges.

Pick one that’s both complex and lets you tell an accurate, compelling story that touches all four of the bullet points above. Don’t feel pressure to tell a perfect story— the product design process is never flawless, and complexity brings another layer of challenges. 

The interviewers aren’t looking for perfection, but rather that you’re not scared of complex projects and will tackle the challenges that come with them in a resilient, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent way. 

6. What are some of the biggest trends in the product design field?

Like many others, this question can take different shapes. You might get asked “What do you think is the most important change happening in product design?” or “Which new tools or ideas are going to change product design the most over the next 5 years?”

No matter the exact wording, the interviewer is trying to see how up to date you are with major trends in the field and your opinions on them.

Ideally, you should already be fairly familiar with the latest trends, but if you haven’t had time to do much reading or listening recently, get prepared to talk about a trend or two that’s related to the role you’re interviewing for.

Lenny’s Podcast is an interesting place to start, as is our blog post The Best Product Design Books To Push You Forward .

Letting your thoughts percolate over a few days might help you come up with new and interesting angles here. 

Prepare an answer that shows off your knowledge, your passion, and your thinking. And remember that relating your answer back to the hiring company’s product design means the answer you’re giving is probably going to help you stand out.

Here are some more product design-related questions that we wouldn’t be surprised to see:

• What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a product designer?
• Describe the project you’re most proud of. Why?
• How would you define yourself as a designer?
• Walk us through a project you worked on.
• Walk us through a product design example where you set out to solve a business problem.
• What are the design tools you use to create and communicate your design ideas?
• How would you solve this product design problem without a computer?
• How do you use user research in your product design process?
• How do you validate your solutions with users?
• How do you evaluate product usability?

Now let’s take a look at three product design interview questions relating to your process as a designer.

7. Explain your design process.

This is another question that was mentioned on Glassdoor as part of a product design interview at Google. It’s a very broad question, but it’s crucial that you keep your answer tightly focused on your process and don’t veer off in other directions.

Here, the interviewers will be listening out for a response that clearly and concisely outlines your product design process. Of course, different product designers have different processes depending on their experience, the industry they’re working in, the products they’re working on, and more.

But—whatever the differences—there are several factors that should always be part of your process:

• A deep understanding of the customer based on user research and data ( usability testing , user personas and stories , empathy maps ) 
• A deep understanding of the business need (and how this dovetails with the user)
• Human-centered design that balances the need of the user with the business reality 
• Collaboration and iteration (or collaborative iteration)
• Clear and measurable goals

Other concepts and methods—some of which could fall under the bullets above—that may be part of your process are things like:

• Competitor research
• Stakeholder interviews
• Content audits
• Minimum viable product (MVP)
• Information architecture
• Mood boards and storyboards
• Use case scenarios and user flows
• Customer journeys
• Wireframes , mocks, and prototypes

As you can see, there is a lot to cover here, so it’s important that you prepare a tight, concise, clear answer to this question. Make sure you cover all the key elements of your process in a logical order, but don’t worry about going into detail on every single thing. 

You might be wondering about whether to include an example project to demonstrate your process. You can make a judgment call on this depending on the feel of the interview, but often it won’t be necessary. 

This is because you’ll get a chance to talk about how you applied your process to a specific product design project in another question (or two), and dropping examples in here could make your answer longer and less concise than it needs to be. 

Your portfolio should also show how you used your process with specific product design examples.  

8. How do you measure the success of your design projects?

This is another fairly common question that has been referenced on Glassdoor—a candidate said they were asked it in a product design job interview at the fintech company Wise. 

And it’s not a surprise that companies are asking product designers this, because a project can’t be called successful in any meaningful way unless there’s data to back it up. 

They want to hear which metrics you use to measure the success of your design projects. Your answer will vary a lot according to your experience and industry of course, but could include things like:

• Conversion rates
• Task completion rates and times
• Eye-tracking
• Click-tracking heatmaps
• Benchmarking and usability testing

For this question it can be a good idea to include one of your design projects as an example. You can demonstrate familiarity with the metrics you’ve used by namechecking them and saying you have experience with them, but picking out a couple you measured on a key project will make it easier to tell a captivating story.

It’s also important to tie metrics back to the project’s initial goals, whether they were in the form of OKRs, KPIs, or another framework. 

And it’s crucial—especially if there’s a product manager, business development rep, or any other person likely to have a knowledge of financial operations—to address financial indicators or goals. 

Understanding and being able to explain how product design and financial indicators are connected is the sign of a seniority in the role. Ultimately failed and bad product design hits companies where it hurts—in the pocket.

Here are a few other questions you may be asked about your product design process:

• Show us how you worked through the technical aspect of a project.
• What’s your experience creating HCD ( human-centered design )?
• How do you trigger creativity when you’re stuck?
• How do you use data to guide your design decisions?

9. How do you work with different departments?

This is another question that can be phrased in a number of ways. You might be asked “how do you approach collaboration?” or “tell us about a time when you collaborated on a product design project.” But the aim is ultimately the same.

The interviewer wants to know how you work with other individuals and teams. 

• Do you enjoy it? Does it energize you? 
• How do you give and receive feedback? 
• How do you deal with the creative conflict that inevitably arises on collaborative design projects?
• How do you handle challenging colleagues? 
• How do you speak about your team and other departments? 
• How do you handle different communication styles? 
• Are you a natural team player or more of an individual contributor?

This question can be trickier than you’d expect to answer. It’s easy for all of us to think we’re amazing team players and so we can coast through this question—don’t do that.

Instead prepare with one or two specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with other departments on a project. Think about how you build a mutually trusting and respectful relationship. How you overcame challenges. How you brainstormed together and iterated on your designs.

Don’t forget to talk about the shape and structure of what that collaboration looked like. Mention your regular meetings and any workshops and feedback sessions. 

Who was involved? Was it product managers, product owners, developers, marketing, content design, data analysts, or someone from the executive team? 

The interviewers will be looking for product designers who can put their ego to one side and be positive, honest, and encouraging team players. If the role is a senior one or above, they’ll be looking for signs of leadership and a mature approach to conflict management and collaboratively overcoming problems.     

10. If someone above you was pressuring you towards a product design decision you thought didn’t make sense, how would you react?

If you get asked a question along these lines, it’s because the interviewer is trying to get the answers to three questions:

• How do you manage conflict?
• How and to what extent do you justify your design decisions?
• How do you manage up? (And not necessarily just to your line manager.)

It’s likely they’ll be looking for someone who could deal with this situation in a balanced, mature way as opposed to someone who would take it personally and create further conflict.

They’ll also be curious to see if you asked for a second opinion or some support from a trusted colleague or handled it solo. 

And, of course, they want to know how you defended or would defend your design decisions. Did you provide solid, evidence-based justifications? Did you get defensive or were you open to the possibility of being wrong? How did you end the situation?

Show them you’re diplomatic, but not a pushover. Show them you know how to justify your design decisions, but you’re not stubborn or closed to other opinions. Show them that you can resist pressure in a calm, confident way.  

In keeping with the other sections, here are a couple of other questions you might be asked about collaboration in product design:

• What’s your design process for starting a project?
• Tell me about when you’ve received critical feedback on your work from colleagues. How did you react?

Final thoughts

Job interviews are daunting for all of us, and some jitters are to be expected whether you’re interviewing for your first product design role or for a principal level position.

It’s also totally fine and expected for you to not have exemplary answers to all of the possible questions you could be asked. Interviewers are used to seeing candidates perform better on some questions than on others.

But being well-prepared with solid answers for some key questions that are likely to come up will let you approach the interview more calmly and confidently. 

The interviewing team will be trying to discover what kind of person you are and how you would fit in both the team and the wider company culture.

So remember to stay positive, enthusiastic, curious, open, and honest —this will go a long way on top of the question preparation and research. 

To dive deeper, check out our guides:

• Free 5-Day Course in Product Design
• 50 Best Questions To Ask in an Interview
• 10 of the Best Free Product Design Courses
• How to Become A Product Designer

15 Key Interview Questions for Product Designer Roles

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Product design is a dynamic and creative profession that involves creating and developing innovative products that meet consumer needs and solve real-world problems.

Product designers work across various industries and are responsible for the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and conceptualization to prototyping and production.

Key facts and data

• Median salary: The median salary for a product designer is around $80,7300 per year .
• Industry growth: The demand for product designers is projected to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032 , which is faster than average.
• Typical entry-level education: Most product design positions require a bachelor's degree in industrial design, product design, or a related field. A strong portfolio is also relevant.
• Employment change: Between 2022 and 2032, the employment change for product designers is expected to be positive.
• Growth trends: As technology continues to advance, product designers will need to stay up-to-date with emerging trends such as user experience (UX) design, interaction design, and design thinking methodologies.

If you’re looking for a product designer to join your team, you need a strong set of product design questions to ask candidates and make sure you hire the best person for the job.

Prepare for your next product designer interview with these 15 common questions that assess the candidate’s skills and knowledge in product design, problem-solving, and design thinking.

1. How do you approach the product design process from ideation to production?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's understanding of the entire product design lifecycle.

Key skills assessed: Design thinking, project management, creativity.

What to look for

Design thinking questions will help you identify candidates who can demonstrate a structured approach to product design, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

Example answer

"I believe in a user-centered design approach. I start by conducting thorough user research to understand their needs and pain points. Then, I use design thinking techniques to ideate and prototype different solutions. Finally, I involve users in the testing process to ensure the product meets their expectations."

2. Can you provide an example of a product design problem you encountered and how you solved it?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively.

Key skills assessed: Problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability.

Look for candidates who can provide specific examples and articulate their problem-solving process, including identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and implementing them effectively.

"In a previous role, I was tasked with designing a user-friendly interface for a complex software application. I began by conducting usability testing to identify pain points and areas for improvement. Then, I collaborated with the development team to implement a simplified and intuitive interface. The end result was a significant increase in user satisfaction and engagement."

3. How do you prioritize features and functionality when designing a product?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to make strategic decisions and prioritize effectively.

Key skills assessed: Strategic thinking, analytical skills, decision-making.

Look for candidates who can explain their approach to prioritization, considering factors such as user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

"When prioritizing features and functionality, I believe in a data-driven approach. I analyze user feedback, conduct market research, and evaluate the impact on the overall user experience. By considering these factors, I can make informed decisions that align with both user needs and business objectives."

📖 Read more: Meet Muhammed Salim, Deel’s Director of Product Design

4. How do you incorporate user feedback into the design process?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to gather and incorporate user feedback effectively.

Key skills assessed: User research, empathy, communication.

Look for candidates who can demonstrate their experience in conducting user research, gathering feedback, and using it to inform design decisions.

"I consider user feedback to be a critical component of the design process. I regularly conduct user interviews, usability tests, and surveys to gather feedback. This input helps me understand user preferences, pain points, and expectations, which I incorporate into the design to create a more user-centered product."

5. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in product design?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's commitment to professional growth and staying current in the field.

Key skills assessed: Continuous learning, adaptability, industry knowledge.

Look for candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach to learning, such as attending industry conferences, participating in online courses, or engaging with design communities.

"I am a firm believer in lifelong learning. I regularly attend design conferences, read industry publications, and participate in online courses to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in product design. I also actively engage with design communities to exchange ideas and best practices."

6. How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineers, marketers) during the product design process?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Key skills assessed: Collaboration, communication, adaptability.

Look for candidates who can demonstrate experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, showcasing effective communication skills and the ability to align different perspectives towards a common goal.

"Collaboration is a key aspect of successful product design. I believe in fostering open communication and building strong relationships with cross-functional teams. By involving engineers and marketers early in the design process, I can ensure that their expertise and insights are incorporated into the final product."

💡 See also: Product Manager Job Description Template

7. How do you approach design challenges that involve limited resources or tight deadlines?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to work under pressure and find creative solutions within constraints.

Key skills assessed: Adaptability, creativity, time management.

Look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to think creatively and efficiently when faced with constraints, showcasing examples of how they have successfully delivered high-quality designs under tight deadlines or limited resources.

"I thrive under pressure and enjoy the challenge of finding creative solutions within constraints. In situations with limited resources or tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks, streamline processes, and focus on the most critical aspects of the design. By using effective time management techniques and collaborating closely with stakeholders, I have been able to deliver high-quality designs within challenging timelines."

8. Can you describe a time when you faced resistance to your design decisions and how you handled it?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to handle feedback and navigate conflicts in a professional manner.

Key skills assessed: Conflict resolution, communication, resilience.

Look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to listen to feedback, remain open-minded, and effectively communicate their design decisions while still considering alternative perspectives.

"In a previous project, I faced resistance to a design decision from stakeholders who had different preferences. I listened carefully to their feedback, acknowledged their concerns, and explained the rationale behind my design choices. Through open and respectful communication, I was able to address their concerns and gain their support. Ultimately, this experience taught me the importance of effective communication and compromise in achieving a successful design outcome."

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9. How do you ensure the usability and accessibility of your designs for a diverse range of users?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's understanding of inclusive design principles and their commitment to designing for all users.

Key skills assessed: User research, empathy, attention to detail.

Look for candidates who demonstrate their understanding of inclusive design principles, such as conducting user research with diverse populations, considering accessibility guidelines, and incorporating feedback from users with different needs.

"I believe in designing products that are inclusive and accessible to all users. I conduct user research with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities or specific needs. I also adhere to accessibility guidelines and collaborate closely with accessibility experts to ensure that my designs are usable and inclusive for everyone."

10. Can you walk us through your design portfolio and discuss the design decisions you made for a particular project?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to articulate their design process and showcase their design thinking skills through their portfolio.

Key skills assessed: Design thinking, storytelling, presentation skills, examples of good product design they’ve authored.

Look for candidates who can explain their design decisions in a clear and concise manner, showcasing their problem-solving skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

"In one of my design projects, I focused on creating a seamless and intuitive user experience for a mobile app. I started by conducting user research to understand their needs and pain points. Through iterative prototyping and usability testing, I refined the user flow and interface design. I paid attention to small details, such as micro-interactions and visual hierarchy, to enhance the overall user experience. I am proud of the final result, as it received positive feedback from users and achieved high user engagement metrics."

11. How do you incorporate sustainability and environmentally friendly practices into your product designs?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's understanding of sustainability and their commitment to designing environmentally-friendly products.

Key skills assessed: Sustainability, research skills, creativity.

Look for candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of sustainable design practices, such as using recyclable materials, minimizing waste, and considering the lifecycle impact of the product.

"Sustainability is a core value in my design practice. I actively research and explore environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. I also consider the product's lifecycle, aiming to minimize waste and encourage recycling or repurposing. By designing products with sustainability in mind, I believe we can contribute to a more environmentally-conscious future."

See also: UX Designer Job Description Template

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12. Can you share an example of a time when your product designing solutions had a significant impact on user experience or business goals?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to deliver designs that drive positive outcomes.

Key skills assessed: Impactful design, UX design, analytical skills.

Look for candidates who can provide specific examples of how their design positively impacted user experience or business goals, and how they measured and evaluated this impact.

"In a recent project, I redesigned an e-commerce website to enhance the user experience and increase conversions. Through user research and A/B testing, I identified pain points and optimized the user flow, resulting in a 20% increase in conversions. This design not only improved the user experience but also directly contributed to the client's business goals."

13. How do you approach continuous improvement and learning in your design practice?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's commitment to personal and professional growth.

Key skills assessed: Continuous learning, adaptability, self-motivation.

Look for candidates who demonstrate a growth mindset, such as actively seeking feedback, reflecting on their work, and seeking new learning opportunities.

"I believe in continuous improvement and learning. I actively seek feedback from peers, stakeholders, and end-users to understand how I can enhance my designs. I also reflect on my work and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, I participate in design critique sessions and engage in design communities to learn from others and stay inspired."

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14. How do you balance creativity with practicality when designing a product?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to balance artistic vision with the practical constraints of product design.

Key skills assessed: Creative thinking, problem-solving, critical thinking.

Look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to find the right balance between creativity and practicality, considering factors such as budget, manufacturing constraints, and user needs.

"Balancing creativity with practicality is a key aspect of product design. I believe in finding innovative solutions while considering the constraints of budget, manufacturing processes, and user needs. By conducting thorough research, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and iterating on designs, I can strike the right balance between artistic vision and practicality."

15. How do you approach feedback and critiques from others in your design process?

Aim: Assessing the candidate's ability to receive feedback constructively and use it to improve their designs.

Key skills assessed: Receptiveness to feedback, communication, resilience.

Look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to receive feedback graciously, ask clarifying questions, and incorporate constructive criticism into their designs.

"I see feedback as an opportunity for growth. I am always open to receiving feedback from my peers, stakeholders, and end-users. I actively seek clarifications and ask for specific examples to understand how I can improve. I do not take feedback personally but rather welcome it as a chance to refine and enhance my designs."

Use the 15 questions from our list to conduct successful interviews and find the best person to join your organization. These product design questions and answers will help you get a clear idea of what your ideal candidate should know to be able to contribute to company goals, lead initiatives, and take ownership of their work.

If you’re an applicant preparing for a product design interview, the sample answers will serve as a great foundation for building your own unique answers and showcasing your expertise in your next job interview.

Additional resources

• Graphic Designer Job Description Template : Promote your open graphic design role quickly and easily—just customize and post.
• The Deel Guide to Hiring Remote Graphic Designers : Tips on what to look for in candidates’ resumes and portfolios, managing remote graphic designers, and more.
• Get Hired Hub : Where global employers and talent can connect and begin working together.

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Top 50 Product Design Interview Questions and Answers

Explore essential questions and expert answers to prepare effectively for product design interviews, covering fundamentals, processes, and problem-solving strategies.

The Product Design Interview Questions and Answers serve as an indispensable resource for aspiring product designers seeking to excel in their careers. This comprehensive compilation covers a spectrum of topics, from foundational principles to advanced strategies, ensuring thorough preparation for interviews in the dynamic realm of product design.

Whether you're embarking on your design journey or sharpening your expertise, these meticulously crafted questions and answers offer invaluable insights to bolster your understanding and confidence. Navigating through product design interviews becomes seamless with this guide, empowering you to showcase your skills and expertise effectively.

Product Design Interview Questions on Portfolio Critique

Product Design Interview Questions on Portfolio critique are specifically crafted to assess a candidate's ability to present and defend their design work effectively. In these interviews, candidates are asked to showcase their portfolios and walk through their design processes, highlighting their problem-solving skills and design thinking.

This section of the interview aims to evaluate the clarity, coherence, and creativity of the candidate's portfolio, as well as their ability to articulate design decisions and receive constructive feedback. Interviewers gain insights into the adaptability, communication skills, and overall design proficiency by examining how candidates respond to critiques and iterate on their designs.

How do you select projects to include in your design portfolio?

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Prioritize projects that showcase your diverse skills and expertise when selecting projects to include in your design portfolio. Focus on projects that align with your career goals and highlight your unique design approach and problem-solving abilities. Ensure each project demonstrates your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to meet client objectives effectively. Select projects that illustrate your ability to work across various mediums, such as digital, print, or product design , and showcase your versatility as a designer. Aim to include a balance of personal and professional projects that demonstrate your passion for design and your ability to deliver exceptional results consistently.

Can you explain the design process behind your most challenging project in the portfolio?

We initiated an exhaustive research phase, delving deep into user needs, market trends, and technological possibilities. This informed our ideation process, where we generated a multitude of concepts and refined them through iterative feedback loops. Following this, we transitioned into the prototyping phase, where we transformed our concepts into tangible models, allowing for practical testing and refinement. This iterative approach enabled us to address potential issues early on and iterate swiftly.

We then moved into the implementation phase, where we collaborated closely with engineers and manufacturers to ensure the design's feasibility and scalability. Continuous communication and adaptation were key as we navigated through any unforeseen challenges.

User feedback throughout the project played a pivotal role, guiding our design decisions and ensuring the final product resonated with its intended audience. This comprehensive approach, from research to implementation, facilitated the successful realization of our most challenging project to date.

What inspired the design choices in your portfolio's featured work?

Each design in my portfolio is driven by a blend of user research, market analysis, and creative exploration. Understanding user needs and preferences guides every decision, ensuring that the final product resonates with its intended audience. Market trends and competitors' offerings provide valuable insights, helping to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Additionally, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as nature, art, and everyday life sparks creativity and enables unique design solutions.

How do you handle feedback and criticism on your portfolio designs?

Feedback and criticism on portfolio designs are invaluable for growth. I approach them with an open mind and view them as opportunities for improvement. Firstly, I actively listen to understand the perspective behind the feedback. Then, I analyze it objectively, focusing on areas for refinement. Incorporating constructive criticism enhances the quality of my designs and fosters professional development. Additionally, I seek clarification when needed and appreciate diverse viewpoints, recognizing their potential to enrich my work.

What improvements or changes have you recently made to your portfolio?

I've focused on enhancing the visual presentation and user experience in recent updates to my portfolio. I revamped the layout to showcase projects more effectively, ensuring easy navigation and highlighting key elements. Additionally, I incorporated new case studies to demonstrate a wider range of skills and problem-solving abilities. I also fine-tuned the content to better reflect my design philosophy and professional journey, making it more engaging and informative for viewers. These improvements aim to provide a comprehensive overview of my capabilities and leave a lasting impression on potential employers or clients.

Can you describe a project in your portfolio that best showcases your design skills and creativity?

One standout project in my portfolio is a mobile app I designed for a local restaurant. I conducted thorough research to understand user needs, iterated on design concepts, and collaborated closely with stakeholders. The result was a sleek, user-friendly app that enhanced the dining experience. Throughout the project, I collaborated closely with stakeholders, incorporating their feedback and making iterative adjustments to achieve the desired outcome. The final product not only met but exceeded the client's expectations, garnering positive feedback from both users and stakeholders alike.

Product Design Interview Questions on Research/metrics

Product Design Interview Questions on Research/metrics are crafted to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in understanding user needs, conducting thorough research, and utilizing metrics to inform design decisions. This specialized set of questions delves into the candidate's ability to gather qualitative and quantitative data, analyze user behavior, and measure the impact of design solutions.

Interviewers aim to gauge the capability to design products that resonate with users and drive meaningful outcomes by assessing the candidate's approach to research methodologies, data interpretation, and application of metrics. These questions provide insight into the candidate's analytical skills, strategic thinking, and alignment with user-centric design principles.

How do you integrate user research findings into your product design process?

We first analyze the data collected from user interviews, surveys, and observations to integrate user research findings into the product design process. Then, we identify patterns and insights to understand user needs and preferences. Next, we prioritize these findings based on their impact on the design objectives. We incorporate user feedback iteratively throughout the design process, ensuring that our solutions align with user expectations.

Additionally, we validate our design decisions through usability testing and iterate further based on the results. This iterative approach ensures that the final product meets the needs of its intended users effectively.

Can you describe a time when metrics significantly influenced your design decisions?

Metrics played a pivotal role in shaping our design choices in a previous project. We implemented user analytics to track engagement, user flow, and interactions within the interface. These metrics provided valuable insights into user behavior and pain points. By analyzing the data, we identified areas for improvement and prioritized features based on their impact on key performance indicators (KPIs). This data-driven approach ensured that our design decisions were aligned with the needs and preferences of our target audience, leading to a more effective and user-centric product.

What methods do you use for conducting effective user research?

Various methods are employed for conducting effective user research. These include ethnographic studies, where researchers immerse themselves in users' environments to observe behaviors and routines. Surveys and questionnaires gather quantitative data, while interviews provide qualitative insights into user needs and preferences. Usability testing involves observing users interacting with prototypes or products to identify usability issues. Additionally, data analysis techniques such as affinity mapping and journey mapping help synthesize research findings and uncover patterns.

How do you measure the success of your design once it's implemented?

The success of a design post-implementation is measured through various metrics such as user feedback, usability testing, key performance indicators (KPIs), and analytics data. These metrics provide insights into how well the design meets its objectives and whether it effectively addresses user needs and pain points.

Additionally, conducting surveys, interviews, and observing user behavior can offer valuable qualitative feedback on the design's impact and usability. Regularly monitoring and analyzing these metrics allow designers to identify areas for improvement and iterate on the design to enhance its success.

What are key performance indicators (KPIs) you consider in product design?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) in product design include metrics such as user satisfaction, conversion rates, usability, engagement levels, and retention rates. These indicators provide insights into the effectiveness of the design in meeting user needs and achieving business goals. Additionally, metrics related to product performance, such as load times, error rates, and scalability, are crucial for assessing the technical aspects of the design. Monitoring these KPIs allows product designers to identify areas for improvement and optimize the user experience accordingly.

Can you give an example of how you've used A/B testing in your design projects?

A recent instance involves our e-commerce platform. We wanted to optimize the checkout process to reduce cart abandonment. We ran an A/B test where one group experienced the original checkout flow, while the other encountered a simplified version with fewer steps. The simplified version resulted in a 15% increase in completed purchases, validating our design hypothesis. This data-driven approach allowed us to make informed decisions and enhance user experience effectively.

Questions on Tools/dev

Product Design Interview Questions on Tools/dev are meticulously crafted to evaluate candidates' proficiency in essential design tools and development practices. This segment of the interview assesses applicants' familiarity with popular design software, such as Sketch, Adobe XD, or Figma, along with their ability to utilize coding languages and development frameworks effectively. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their expertise in navigating these tools to create prototypes, wireframes, and mockups, showcasing their ability to translate design concepts into tangible products. These questions provide valuable insights into candidates' readiness to tackle real-world design challenges in a professional setting.

Which design tools are you most proficient with and why do you prefer them?

I am highly skilled in utilizing software such as Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These tools enable me to seamlessly create and manipulate visual elements, allowing for precise design execution and efficient workflow management. Additionally, I am proficient in Sketch and Figma, which are renowned for their collaborative features and intuitive interface, facilitating seamless collaboration with team members and stakeholders. My proficiency in these tools enables me to efficiently translate conceptual ideas into tangible designs, ensuring optimal user experiences and impactful visual communication.

How do you collaborate with developers during the design process?

Communication and mutual understanding are key when collaborating with developers during the design process. Regular meetings and discussions help ensure that the design aligns with technical capabilities and constraints. Providing detailed design documentation and prototypes can facilitate the implementation process. Additionally, being open to feedback and willing to iterate on designs based on developer input fosters a collaborative environment and leads to better outcomes.

Can you explain your experience with prototyping tools and their role in product design?

Prototyping tools are integral to my product design experience. These tools play a crucial role in translating ideas into tangible prototypes. They enable rapid iteration and refinement of design concepts, facilitating effective communication between stakeholders.

My proficiency with prototyping tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma has allowed me to create interactive prototypes that simulate the user experience, helping to validate design decisions early in the development process. Additionally, I have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing these tools to gather feedback and iterate on designs efficiently.

What is your approach to ensuring design consistency across various development platforms?

Ensuring design consistency across various development platforms involves establishing robust style guides and design systems. These serve as the foundation for maintaining uniformity in visual elements, interaction patterns, and user experience across different platforms. Regular collaboration and communication among design and development teams are essential to address any discrepancies and ensure alignment with established standards. Employing design tools and version control systems further streamlines the process, allowing for efficient updates and revisions. Conducting thorough testing and user feedback loops help identify and address any inconsistencies or usability issues early in the development cycle.

How do you stay updated with the latest design tools and technologies?

I regularly explore industry blogs, attend design conferences, and participate in online courses to stay updated with the latest design tools and technologies. Additionally, I join design communities on social media platforms to exchange ideas and stay informed about emerging trends. Experimenting with new tools and technologies in my personal projects helps me stay ahead and adapt quickly to changes in the design landscape.

Can you describe a project where you had to adapt to a new design tool or technology?

I recently worked on a project where we had to transition from using traditional wireframing tools to a new prototyping software. Initially, there was a learning curve as we familiarized ourselves with the new tool's interface and features. However, once we got the hang of it, we found that the new tool allowed for more efficient collaboration and faster iteration of designs. Overall, adapting to the new technology greatly enhanced our workflow and productivity on the project.

Interview Questions on Design Challenge

Product Design Interview Questions on Design Challenge are specifically curated to assess candidates' ability to tackle real-world design problems effectively. This segment of the interview process delves into candidates' problem-solving skills, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Interviewers aim to evaluate the approach to ideation, prototyping, and user-centric design by presenting candidates with design challenges. These questions provide candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate their design process, communicate their ideas clearly, and showcase their ability to think critically under pressure.

How would you approach redesigning a popular product to enhance user experience?

I would begin by conducting comprehensive user research to understand pain points and user needs to enhance the user experience of a popular product through redesign. Next, I'd analyze competitor products and industry trends to identify opportunities for improvement. Utilizing design thinking methodologies, I'd ideate potential solutions and create prototypes for user testing. Based on feedback, I'd refine the design iteratively, focusing on simplicity, intuitiveness, and accessibility.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams including engineers, marketers, and product managers would ensure alignment with business goals and technical feasibility. Continuous evaluation through usability testing and feedback loops would drive refinement until achieving a superior user experience.

Can you describe a past project where you overcame a significant design challenge?

I encountered a significant design challenge in a previous project when tasked with creating a user-friendly interface for a complex financial management system. The main hurdle was ensuring that the interface remained intuitive despite the intricate backend processes.

To address this, I conducted extensive user research to understand the pain points and preferences of the target audience. We were able to streamline the user experience and simplify navigation through the various features of the system by prioritizing simplicity and clarity in the design. We refined the design further through iterative testing and feedback, ultimately overcoming the challenge and delivering a successful product.

If given a tight deadline, how would you prioritize design tasks and decisions?

Prioritizing design tasks and decisions is crucial if given a tight deadline. Begin by identifying the core objectives and requirements of the project. Next, assess the impact and urgency of each task in relation to these objectives. Allocate resources and time accordingly, focusing on high-priority tasks that directly contribute to meeting the deadline. Communicate with stakeholders to manage expectations and ensure alignment on priorities. Continuously reevaluate and adjust the prioritization as needed to stay on track towards meeting the deadline.

How would you handle conflicting feedback during a design project?

Handling conflicting feedback during a design project involves carefully considering diverse perspectives and prioritizing based on project goals. Firstly, I would listen attentively to all feedback, acknowledging each viewpoint's validity. Next, I'd analyze the feedback against project objectives, identifying common themes and areas of consensus. Then, I'd collaborate with stakeholders to discuss the conflicting points, seeking clarification and deeper insights.

Finally, I'd strive to find a balanced solution that addresses key concerns while staying aligned with the project's vision and requirements. Effective communication and compromise are essential in resolving conflicting feedback and driving the project forward successfully.

What strategy would you use to design for a completely new user demographic?

The key strategy involves thorough research and understanding of their unique needs, preferences, and behaviors to design for a completely new user demographic. Conducting market analysis, surveys, and user interviews are essential to gather insights. Utilizing personas and empathy mapping can help visualize and empathize with the new demographic's perspectives. Iterative prototyping and testing allow for refining designs based on user feedback.

Collaboration with stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams ensures diverse perspectives are considered throughout the design process. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to feedback facilitates continuous improvement and ensures the final product resonates with the new user demographic.

How would you adapt your design process for a product in a highly regulated industry?

Adapting the design process for a highly regulated industry entails meticulous compliance at every stage. Understanding regulations, collaborating with experts, maintaining comprehensive documentation, rigorous testing, iterative prototyping, regular communication with regulatory authorities, and fostering a compliance-focused culture are all essential steps to ensure regulatory adherence while delivering innovative products.

Product Design Interview Questions on App/product critique

Product Design Interview Questions on App/product critique are tailored to assess a candidate's ability to evaluate and analyze digital products effectively. With a focus on assessing design principles, usability, and overall user experience, these questions delve into the candidate's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Covering aspects such as interface design, functionality, accessibility, and user feedback interpretation, this set of interview questions aims to gauge the candidate's proficiency in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in existing applications or products.

How would you critique the user interface design of a popular mobile app?

I assess the visual hierarchy, consistency, and usability when critiquing the user interface design of a popular mobile app. Firstly, I examine the app's layout and navigation, ensuring it follows established design principles. I would then evaluate the use of colors, typography, and imagery to ascertain if they align with the app's branding and enhance user experience. Additionally, I would scrutinize the clarity of labeling and the intuitiveness of interactive elements such as buttons and gestures. Lastly, I would consider user feedback and analytics to identify areas for improvement and prioritize enhancements that would most benefit the user.

What improvements would you suggest for a well-known product's user experience?

It's imperative to conduct thorough user research to identify pain points and areas for improvement to enhance the user experience of a well-known product. Employing user-centric design principles lead to intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction. Iterative testing and feedback loops are essential for refining the user experience and ensuring that any changes made align with user needs and preferences.

Additionally, incorporating accessibility features can make the product more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of users. Regular updates and maintenance are crucial for keeping the product relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving market landscape.

Can you analyze the effectiveness of a specific app's navigation flow?

Assess the intuitive design and seamless transitions between screens while analyzing the effectiveness of a specific app's navigation flow. Evaluating the clarity of menu structures, ease of access to key features, and consistency across platforms is crucial. User feedback, analytics data, and usability testing can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement. Additionally, considering industry best practices and competitor benchmarks can inform recommendations for enhancing the navigation flow. Ultimately, the goal is to optimize user experience by minimizing friction and facilitating efficient task completion within the app.

How do you evaluate the usability and accessibility of a product?

Assess the ease of use and inclusivity to evaluate the usability and accessibility of a product. Usability testing involves observing users interacting with the product to identify any challenges or pain points. Accessibility evaluation ensures that the product can be used by individuals with disabilities, considering factors like screen reader compatibility, color contrast, and keyboard navigation. Conducting user interviews and surveys can also provide valuable insights into the overall user experience and accessibility of the product. Regularly iterating on design based on feedback is essential for continuous improvement in usability and accessibility.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the design in a recent tech product release?

Strengths and weaknesses of the design in a recent tech product release significantly impact its reception and success. Strong design elements enhance user experience, usability, and aesthetics, leading to positive feedback and adoption. Conversely, weaknesses in design result in usability issues, poor user engagement, and negative reviews, hindering the product's performance in the market. It's crucial for design teams to carefully assess and address both strengths and weaknesses to optimize the product's overall design and maximize its potential for success.

Can you describe a product redesign you admire and explain why it was successful?

The redesign of Apple's iPhone in 2007 stands as a beacon of successful product innovation. The transition from physical keyboards to a touchscreen interface revolutionized the smartphone industry. This redesign enhanced user experience and also set a new standard for intuitive interaction.

Apple's meticulous attention to detail, coupled with its commitment to minimalist design principles, played a pivotal role in the success of the iPhone redesign. By prioritizing simplicity and functionality, Apple created a product that appealed to a broad audience, transcending age and demographics.

Furthermore, the integration of cutting-edge technology, such as multi-touch capabilities and an intuitive user interface, propelled the iPhone ahead of its competitors. This strategic combination of design and technology cemented the iPhone as a cultural icon and established Apple as a leader in the tech industry.

Product Design Interview Questions on Criticism

Product Design Interview Questions on Criticism are curated to assess a candidate's ability to handle feedback, iterate on designs, and collaborate effectively within a team. These questions delve into the candidate's approach towards receiving constructive criticism, incorporating it into their design process, and leveraging it to refine their solutions.

By exploring how candidates navigate critiques, adapt their designs, and communicate their rationale, interviewers gauge their receptiveness to feedback and their resilience in the face of challenges. This line of questioning not only evaluates the candidate's design skills but also their interpersonal abilities and their capacity to foster a culture of continuous improvement within a design team.

How do you handle constructive criticism of your design work?

Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Approach criticism with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Seek clarification to fully understand the critique and consider how it aligns with the project objectives. Take constructive feedback as valuable insights to refine and enhance your design. Incorporate suggestions where appropriate while staying true to your design vision. Thank the critic for their input and demonstrate your commitment to producing the best possible outcome.

Can you give an example of receiving critical feedback and how it improved your design?

Receiving critical feedback is integral to the design process. Once, during a project review, I received feedback that the navigation flow of the app was confusing for users. This prompted me to conduct usability testing, where I observed firsthand how users struggled to find certain features. I redesigned the navigation structure in response, simplifying it and incorporating clearer signposting. This adjustment significantly enhanced the user experience and highlighted the value of constructive criticism in refining designs.

What is your approach to critiquing the work of fellow designers?

I focus on constructive feedback that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement when critiquing the work of fellow designers. I believe in maintaining a balance between offering praise for effective design elements and providing actionable suggestions for refinement. Additionally, I prioritize clear communication and empathy, ensuring that my critiques are delivered respectfully and with the intention of fostering growth. Moreover, I encourage open dialogue and collaboration, inviting fellow designers to share their perspectives and insights while also being receptive to feedback on my own work.

How do you differentiate between subjective opinions and constructive criticism in design?

Subjective opinions in design are personal viewpoints influenced by individual preferences or biases, lacking objective reasoning or evidence. Constructive criticism, however, provides actionable feedback based on design principles, user experience, and project goals. It focuses on improving the design's functionality, aesthetics, and effectiveness rather than personal preferences. Evaluating based on established criteria helps discern between subjective opinions and constructive criticism, ensuring design refinement and progress.

What steps do you take when your design is criticized by clients or stakeholders?

I first listen attentively to the feedback when my design is criticized by clients or stakeholders, ensuring I understand their concerns thoroughly. Following this, I analyze their critiques against the project objectives and requirements. Next, I collaborate with them to address their specific issues, proposing alternative solutions or adjustments where necessary. Additionally, I utilize my expertise to explain the rationale behind my design decisions and how they align with the project goals. Throughout this process, maintaining open communication and a willingness to iterate are paramount to reaching a satisfactory resolution.

Can you discuss a time when criticism led to a significant pivot in your design project?

Criticism plays a vital role in refining designs. In one instance, during a project review, stakeholders raised concerns about the usability of our app interface. Their feedback highlighted significant usability issues that we hadn't noticed earlier.

We immediately reconvened our design team to analyze the critique and brainstorm solutions.

This critique prompted us to conduct extensive user testing to identify pain points and gather insights. As a result, we made substantial changes to the navigation flow and layout of the app. This pivot led to a more intuitive user experience and improved overall satisfaction. The criticism ultimately propelled our design project in a more successful direction.

Situational Product Design Interview Questions

Situational Product Design Interview Questions are crafted to assess a candidate's ability to apply their design skills and problem-solving capabilities in real-world scenarios. These questions present hypothetical situations or challenges that product designers may encounter in their roles. By evaluating how candidates approach and tackle these scenarios, interviewers gain insight into their thought process, creativity, and ability to navigate complexities inherent in product design. Aspiring product designers can benefit from practicing responses to such questions to hone their critical thinking and communication skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle any situational challenges that may arise during interviews and in their future roles.

How would you handle a situation where your design idea conflicts with a team member's suggestion?

I would first seek to understand the perspective and the reasoning behind the suggestion when faced with conflicting design ideas from a team member. This involves active listening and open communication to ensure clarity. Next, I would analyze both proposals objectively, considering factors such as feasibility, user experience, and project goals. Collaboratively brainstorming alternative solutions lead to a compromise that incorporates the strengths of both ideas. I would also escalate the discussion to involve relevant stakeholders for additional input and perspective. Ultimately, the goal is to find a solution that best serves the project objectives while respecting the insights and contributions of all team members involved.

Describe a time when you had to design under a tight deadline. How did you manage it?

Once, during a product launch, we faced an unexpected deadline crunch. I immediately organized a quick brainstorming session to gather ideas efficiently. Then, I prioritized tasks, focusing on essential features first. I delegated responsibilities wisely, ensuring each team member knew their role clearly. Regular check-ins helped us stay on track and address any roadblocks promptly. Despite the pressure, maintaining open communication and a positive attitude kept morale high. In the end, we delivered a quality design within the tight time frame, showcasing our adaptability and teamwork.

If a client rejected your design, how would you respond and proceed?

My response would be to respectfully acknowledge the feedback and inquire about the specific aspects that the clients were unsatisfied with. I would then analyze their concerns and assess if they align with the project objectives and target audience. I would revise the design based on their feedback if necessary, while ensuring it still meets the project requirements and objectives. Communication and collaboration are key in addressing client concerns and finding a solution that satisfies both parties.

What would you do if you realized midway that your design solution was not feasible?

If I realized midway that my design solution was not feasible, I would immediately reassess the situation. This involves analyzing the root cause of the infeasibility and understanding any constraints that may have been overlooked. Once the issue is identified, I would brainstorm alternative solutions that address the problem while remaining within the realm of feasibility. Communication with stakeholders is crucial at this stage to ensure alignment and gather additional insights. Additionally, I would seek input from team members or experts in relevant fields to explore innovative approaches or technologies that could salvage the project. Ultimately, the goal is to adapt and pivot the design direction while staying focused on delivering a viable solution.

How would you approach a project where the design requirements are vague or constantly changing?

My approach would prioritize adaptability and frequent communication when facing a project with vague or fluctuating design requirements. I would begin by thoroughly understanding the overarching goals and constraints of the project. Then, I would establish a flexible framework that allows for iterative design iterations. Regular check-ins with stakeholders would be crucial to ensure alignment and promptly address any emerging changes. Embracing uncertainty, I would prioritize rapid prototyping and user feedback to inform design decisions dynamically. By fostering a collaborative environment and maintaining open lines of communication, I would navigate the ambiguity while driving towards a successful outcome.

Describe a situation where you had to incorporate last-minute changes into a design project.

During a recent design project, our team encountered a situation where the client requested significant modifications just days before the final presentation. These changes included altering the color scheme, adjusting the layout, and incorporating additional features. Despite the tight deadline, we swiftly convened to assess the feasibility of the adjustments and strategize their implementation. Our team efficiently reallocated tasks, with each member focusing on specific aspects to expedite the process without compromising quality.

We successfully integrated the last-minute changes through effective communication and collaboration while ensuring coherence and functionality within the design. This experience underscored the importance of adaptability and teamwork in navigating unforeseen challenges within a project timeline.

How would you handle a disagreement with a stakeholder about a design decision?

It is crucial to approach the situation diplomatically and professionally in the event of a disagreement with a stakeholder regarding a design decision.

Firstly, I would actively listen to the stakeholder's concerns and perspectives, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Next, I would clarify the reasoning behind the design decision, providing relevant data, research, and user feedback to support it. Additionally, I would explore potential compromises or alternative solutions that address the stakeholder's concerns while still aligning with the project objectives and user needs. It's essential to maintain open communication channels and foster collaboration to reach a resolution that satisfies both parties and ultimately contributes to the success of the project.

What steps would you take if you were assigned to improve a poorly performing product?

The initial step involves conducting a comprehensive analysis to identify specific areas of weakness. This includes gathering feedback from users, conducting usability tests, and evaluating market trends to pinpoint key issues. Once the deficiencies are identified, prioritize them based on their impact on user experience and product success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and marketing, to develop a strategic plan for improvement. Implement iterative design changes, leveraging rapid prototyping and user testing to validate solutions and gather feedback for further refinement. Continuously monitor performance metrics and user feedback post-implementation to ensure the effectiveness of the improvements.

If you had to mentor a junior designer, how would you approach it?

If I had to mentor a junior designer, I would approach it by first understanding their current skill level and areas for improvement. Then, I would establish clear goals and objectives for their development. I would provide constructive feedback throughout the mentoring process, offer guidance on design principles and techniques, and encourage experimentation and creativity. Additionally, I would share resources such as books, articles, and tutorials to further enhance their knowledge and skills. Finally, I would create opportunities for them to collaborate with more experienced designers and gain real-world experience through hands-on projects.

How would you manage a project where your team members are not meeting their deadlines?

Managing a project where team members are not meeting deadlines requires proactive steps. Firstly, I would identify the root causes of the delays through open communication and individual assessments. Next, I would set clear expectations and deadlines, emphasizing the importance of meeting them. Additionally, providing necessary resources and support help team members overcome obstacles. Regular check-ins and progress reports would help monitor the situation closely. I would offer additional training or assistance to improve productivity. Finally, implementing consequences for persistent missed deadlines reinforce accountability and motivate better performance.

What would you do if you were given feedback that your design is not user-friendly?

If I received feedback that my design is not user-friendly, I would immediately analyze the specific pain points mentioned and gather more insights from user testing and feedback sessions. Then, I would iterate on the design, incorporating usability principles and best practices to address the identified issues. Additionally, I would conduct further usability testing to validate the improvements and ensure that the design meets the needs and expectations of the users. Finally, I would continuously monitor and gather feedback even after implementation to make ongoing adjustments and enhancements to enhance user-friendliness.

Describe a time when you had to balance multiple design projects simultaneously.

Balancing multiple design projects simultaneously is a common challenge in the industry. Once, I was tasked with designing a new mobile app interface while also leading the redesign of our website. To handle this, I prioritized tasks based on deadlines and importance, creating a detailed schedule to allocate time efficiently. Additionally, I utilized project management tools like Trello to track progress and ensure nothing fell through the cracks. By staying organized and focused, I was able to deliver high-quality designs for both projects within the specified timelines.

If you noticed a significant design error just before a product launch, how would you handle it?

If a substantial design flaw emerges just before product launch, I would swiftly address the issue through a systematic approach. First, I would convene an emergency meeting involving key stakeholders to assess the severity and implications of the error. Next, I would collaborate with the design team to identify potential solutions, prioritizing those that can be implemented within the time constraints. Communication with all relevant parties, including management and customers, would be transparent and timely to manage expectations and mitigate any negative impacts.

Additionally, I would conduct rigorous testing and validation of the proposed fixes to ensure they effectively address the problem without introducing new issues. Finally, I would document the entire process for future reference and incorporate lessons learned into our design and development processes to prevent similar issues in the future.

How would you approach a project where the user feedback is significantly different from your design vision?

I would first analyze the feedback to understand the root causes of the disparities. Next, I would conduct additional user research to gather more insights and validate both the feedback and my design vision. Then, I would prioritize the most critical aspects of the feedback and iteratively incorporate them into the design while ensuring alignment with the project goals. Communication with stakeholders would be key throughout this process to maintain transparency and manage expectations. Finally, I would test the updated design with users to evaluate its effectiveness and iterate further if necessary, aiming to achieve a balance between user needs and the original design vision.

Tips to crack Product Design Interview

Tips to crack a Product Design Interview are listed below.

• Understand the design process thoroughly, including user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
• Showcase a diverse portfolio highlighting your ability to solve different design challenges and iterate on solutions.
• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and the reasoning behind them, demonstrating your critical thinking skills.
• Familiarize yourself with popular design tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, or Figma, and be ready to showcase your proficiency in them.
• Practice whiteboarding or sketching out your ideas to effectively communicate your thought process during the interview.
• Demonstrate your understanding of user needs and pain points by discussing real-world examples from your past projects.
• Stay updated on current design trends and industry best practices, showing your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Be ready to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your ability to work under pressure, handle ambiguity, and resolve conflicts within a team.
• Lastly, be yourself and showcase your passion for design, as enthusiasm and a positive attitude can often make a memorable impression on interviewers.

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Jamelle Bouie

When Politicians Invoke the Founding Fathers, Remember This

By Jamelle Bouie

Opinion Columnist

As things stand now, 48 states are set to allocate their electors this November according to the winner of the popular vote in their state. Whoever gets the most votes — no matter the margin — gets all the electors.

In the remaining two states, Maine and Nebraska, the process works a little differently. There, electoral votes are partly divvied up on a proportional basis. In Nebraska, two of its five electoral votes are given to the winner of the statewide popular vote, and the other three are given to the victor in each of the state’s three congressional districts. In Maine, two of the state’s four electoral votes go to the winner of the popular vote, and the other two are split between its two congressional districts.

In the 2020 presidential election, for only the second time since it adopted this system in 1991, Nebraska split its electoral votes between the two candidates on the ballot. Donald Trump won the state and its First and Third Congressional Districts, and Joe Biden won the Second Congressional District, representing parts of Omaha and surrounding areas.

Biden won that election with 306 electoral votes; the Nebraska elector did not make a difference. But in an exceedingly close election — say, an election between an unpopular incumbent and an equally unpopular challenger (himself a former incumbent) — it could. Which is why Nebraska Republicans have begun an effort, backed by Trump , to end its quasi-proportional allocation of electoral votes.

Nebraska Republicans seem to know that this move is a vigorous exercise in partisan venality, which is why they’ve tried to defend it with a time-honored appeal to the founding fathers. “It would bring Nebraska in line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders’ intent and ensure our state speaks with one unified voice in presidential elections,” Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican, wrote in a statement. (Trump called it “ a very smart letter .”)

It is well within the rights of the Nebraska Legislature to adopt the winner-take-all system that most other states use to allocate electors. But I am less interested in the substance of the change than I am in the justification for the decision. That is the common, even ubiquitous, idea that the current form of the Electoral College represents the original intent of the drafters and ratifiers of the Constitution. The problem is simple: It’s not true.

Any attempt to impute an original intent to the framers’ construction of the Electoral College runs into the basic problem that it was, even compared with everything else in the Constitution, a last-minute and hastily constructed compromise meant to get around a large set of almost intractable differences.

Delegates to the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 were consumed with argument over the method and mode of presidential selection. In the first vote taken on the issue, early in the convention, most delegates favored legislative selection. But several of the most influential delegates, among them James Madison of Virginia, thought that this threatened the separation of powers and thus the basic structure of the new government.

Madison observed in his notes that it was “a fundamental principle of free government that the legislative, executive and judiciary powers should be separately … and independently exercised.” As such, it was “essential, then, that the appointment of the executive should either be drawn from some source or held by some tenure that will give him a free agency with regard to the legislature.”

Madison and his like-minded allies — the Pennsylvanians James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris, for example — favored a national popular vote to choose the president. Direct election by “the people” (for the most part, property-owning white men) would guarantee executive independence and filter for men of “distinguished character or services.” On the other side were Southern delegates who thought a popular vote would put them on the losing side of presidential contests; the free population of the North was, of course, larger than the free population of the South. Still other delegates wanted the legislative option to prevail.

In “ Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College? ” the historian Alexander Keyssar writes that more than a few other ideas bubbled up over the course of that summer. Among them:

selection by the governors of the states or by state legislatures; election by a committee of 15 legislators chosen by lot (and obliged to act as soon as they were chosen, to avoid intrigue); a popular election in which each voter cast ballots for two or three candidates, only one of whom could be from his own state: nomination of one candidate by the people of each state, with the winner to then be chosen by the national legislature.

As the convention came to a close, the exhausted delegates finally made a choice: Someone else would have to choose. They turned the issue over to a committee on “postponed parts.” That committee, in turn, tried to chart a path of least resistance through the options at hand. First, it adopted an idea — introduced during the summer of discussion — to have electors act as intermediaries between the public and the selection of the president. In a concession to supporters of legislative selection, those electors would gather in a purpose-made body to make their decision. In a nod to the concerns of Southern delegates, the distribution of electors would be based on representation in the House and Senate.

The committee made its recommendation, and with one major modification — the House of Representatives, not the Senate, would decide in the event that no candidate earned a majority — the convention accepted it. The delegates had no real sense of how the Electoral College would work in practice. More than a few thought that most elections would be decided by the House. And in any case, they also knew that however the people chose a president, their first choice would be George Washington. To both the framers and the ratifiers, the mechanism was less important than the man.

In the first presidential elections of the American republic, the Electoral College worked mostly as designed. Some states held popular elections to choose electors; others had them selected by state legislatures. Electors cast their ballots for the man who would be president, Washington, and designated a candidate for vice president as well, John Adams (an effort that required some coordination, since until the ratification of the 12th Amendment, electors could not cast separate ballots for president and vice president). But with the full emergence of partisan politics during Washington’s second term and his departure at its conclusion, state legislatures, essentially acting as partisan political organizations, tried to game the system.

“States,” Keyssar notes, “took advantage of the flexible constitutional architecture to switch procedures from one election to the next.” They would move from legislative selection of electors to a district-based vote to a winner-take-all election (called the general ticket), depending on which option was more likely to secure victory for the legislature’s favored candidate. Virginia, for example, switched from district elections to winner-take-all in 1800 to help Thomas Jefferson win the presidency.

As formal political parties took shape — and center stage — in American politics, more and more state legislatures adopted winner-take-all allocation of electors, in addition to taking steps to ensure that electors would not be independent of the party that chose them. By the time of Jefferson’s battle for re-election in 1804, the framers’ Electoral College — a deliberative body that would filter candidates for selection by the House — was a dead letter. In its place was an effectively new system tailored to partisan reality.

As Keyssar writes:

Candidates for president and vice president were put forward by political parties, centered in Congress; the parties also coordinated the election campaigns. Nearly everywhere the strategic goal of these campaigns was to win legislative or popular majorities within entire states — since all but four (out of 17) delivered their full complement of electoral votes to one candidate. Those votes were physically cast by electors who gathered in state capitals and served simply as messengers: they did not deliberate, discuss or “think.”

The Electoral College as we know it is less a product of the insight or design of the framers and more a contingent adaptation to the political world that emerged out of the first decade of the American republic. That world would change again, in the 1820s and ’30s, with the rise of Andrew Jackson, universal white male suffrage and the mass political party. The electoral system would adjust; by 1837, not willing to lose any partisan advantage, every state (save South Carolina) would adopt winner-take-all allocation of electors by popular vote. The tally of popular votes took on new significance as well: It stood, for the winner, as a symbol of popular legitimacy, even if it didn’t contribute to the outcome of the election.

There is nothing in the Constitution that says Nebraska Republicans can’t change the way the state allocates its electoral voters. At most, if they made the change, Nebraska Republicans would be violating the informal rules of American politics, which strongly discourage this abuse of the process. Again, I think Nebraska Republicans know this, which explains their immediate appeal to the supposed intent of the framers. This is something Americans do. We use the framers — or more accurately, we use the myths and folk traditions we’ve developed around the framers — to legitimize our decisions in the present day and to try to delegitimize those of our opponents.

But whether as men or myths, the framers cannot do this. They cannot justify the choices we make while we navigate our world. The beauty and, perhaps, the curse of self-government is that it is, in fact, self-government. Our choices are our own, and we must defend them on their own terms. And while it is often good and useful to look to the past for guidance, the past cannot answer our questions or tackle our problems.

Novelty may disturb men’s minds, but we are still obligated to take our circumstances on their own terms, not those of an age long settled into dust.

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An earlier version of this article erroneously included a city in the area covered by Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. Lincoln is not part of the district.

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Jamelle Bouie became a New York Times Opinion columnist in 2019. Before that he was the chief political correspondent for Slate magazine. He is based in Charlottesville, Va., and Washington. @ jbouie