Crushing Whiteboard Challenges: A UI/UX Designer’s Guide

Ami Moradia
Bootcamp
Published in
3 min readJan 6, 2025

A step-by-step guide and best practices for excelling in UX whiteboard interviews.

Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels

Whiteboard challenges have become a staple in the hiring process for UI/UX designers. These timed exercises test your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and design solutions under pressure. While the idea of sketching out a solution in front of interviewers can feel daunting, it’s also an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and creativity.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in a whiteboard challenge, along with tips to help you excel.

What is a Whiteboard Challenge?

A whiteboard challenge is a live exercise where candidates are presented with a design problem and asked to solve it using a whiteboard or similar medium. These challenges assess your ability to:

  1. Understand user needs
  2. Generate ideas and solutions
  3. Communicate your thought process
  4. Work within constraints

How to Tackle a Whiteboard Challenge?

  1. Understand the Problem
    Begin by asking clarifying questions. Understand the user, the context, and the goals. For example, you might explain why you chose a particular layout, how it addresses the user’s pain points, and what trade-offs you considered in your design decisions.
  2. Define the Scope
    Whiteboard challenges are usually time-constrained. Narrow down the focus to the most critical elements of the problem. Communicate your prioritization logic.
  3. Ideate Solutions
    Use techniques like sketching wireframes or flow diagrams to explore different approaches. Explain why you’re choosing one direction over others.
  4. Explain Your Thought Process
    Narrate your decisions as you work. Hiring managers are often more interested in your reasoning than the final design. For example:
  5. Iterate and Refine
    Show that you’re open to feedback by iterating on your solution. Highlight areas where future improvements could be made.
  6. Conclude with Confidence
    Summarize your solution, linking it back to the user’s needs and business goals. End with a clear explanation of why your approach works.
The Figjam template (Download the template)

Tips to Ace the Challenge

  • Practice ahead of time: Use sample problems to simulate the experience.
  • Keep it simple: Avoid overly complex designs; focus on usability and clarity.
  • Stay calm: Remember, it’s about process, not perfection.
  • Bring your toolkit: Familiarize yourself with tools like flow diagrams, personas, and journey maps.
  • Engage with the interviewer: Treat it as a collaborative session. Ask questions and invite feedback.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Skipping research: Even in a fast-paced scenario, show that you consider user needs.
  • Over-designing: Focus on solving the problem rather than adding unnecessary features.
  • Silent designing: Always communicate your reasoning.
  • Ignoring constraints: Incorporate any given limitations into your solution.

Final Thoughts

Whiteboard challenges can be intimidating, but with preparation and the right mindset, they’re a chance to shine. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, user-centric mindset, and communication skills. Remember, employers aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for designers who can think critically and adapt to challenges.

Good luck, and happy designing!

Download the Figjam Template

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Bootcamp
Bootcamp

Published in Bootcamp

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Ami Moradia
Ami Moradia

Written by Ami Moradia

Product designer with 7+ years of experience

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