Tips for Product Design Whiteboarding?

May 16, 2020 23 Comments

In a product design interview process, what are some good tips to keep in mind during a whiteboard session interview? Or maybe best practices? #interviews #design #ui/ux

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TOP 23 Comments
  • Uber
    dafuquber

    Go to company page Uber

    dafuquber
    I did one and it was pretty cringe. Half an hour (which is what I was given) is just not enough for one.
    May 20, 2020 5
  • Different companies want different things, so it’s hard to say for sure. I think these exercises are pretty forced and useless; one former manager told me that when he did his, he refused to draw anything and instead talked about the user and business problems.

    Generally though: ask clarifying questions first, demonstrate interest in the intended users, identify objectives and draw out a couple flows and more detailed screens. Also, think a bit beyond just the screen. Usually they want you come up with a couple “inventive” ideas, too.

    On the other hand, sometimes there’s an unspoken ask that you really reframe the stated problem and get into more abstract thinking about what’s really going on.
    May 16, 2020 2
    • Yeah agree about different companies having different requirements. In this case it would be for FB.

      I personally agree with you on these whiteboard exercises. It feels so unnatural and forced. When it comes to my actual work and actual product brainstorms, I’m pretty confident in my whiteboarding skills. But when it comes to an interview setting it feels really out of place for me and I tend to get too in my head.

      Anyways, thanks for the advice! Really appreciate it.
      May 17, 2020
    • So for Facebook, think more conceptually. If they say design an ATM, eventually get to asking about “what’s the purpose of money, specifically cash.” I don’t think they do the ATM one anymore but you get the idea here.
      May 17, 2020
  • Facebook / Design
    SNOt48

    Go to company page Facebook Design

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    18 years experience as a designer at all levels including Director
    SNOt48
    I’ve conducted and participated in many white boarding interviews at Facebook and other companies.

    I agree that at can come across as being forced and contrived, and the interviewers are aware of this.

    There’s a couple of dimensions you’re being assessed on

    1. Your capacity and willingness to collaborate
    2. Your ability to communicate your ideas visually
    3. Your ability to breakdown a problem
    4. Your ability to ask questions
    5. Your conceptual thinking and range

    One key thing to remember is that there are no rules in the meeting. If you’re prompt is broad, open to interpretation, or lacking in constraints, it’s up to you to define them, ask questions and narrow down. Most problems you’ll solve at FB (and every where else tbh) are exactly like that - broad and ambiguous.

    Also, a big part of being a Product designer is being able to work as thought partners with other functions like PMs and these are critical skills to do so.
    May 29, 2020 1
    • Wow this was superrr helpful. Thanks for your insight, this was really encouraging to read. Doesn’t feel like there’s a secret formula, so I just need to do my best in communicating and collaborating.
      May 30, 2020
  • New
    HBhr76

    New

    HBhr76
    FB requires a white boarding session?
    May 18, 2020 4