SENIOR LEVEL

Can you give an example of a problem you solved using critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Sample answer to the question

Sure! One project where I used critical thinking and problem-solving skills was when I was working on redesigning a mobile app for a fitness company. The problem was that the current app had a confusing user interface, making it difficult for users to track their workouts and progress. To solve this, I conducted user research to gather feedback and understand the pain points. I then brainstormed and came up with a new design concept that simplified the app's navigation and added intuitive features. I created wireframes and prototypes to test the proposed solution with users, and based on their feedback, I made iterative improvements to the design. The final result was a much more user-friendly app that received positive feedback from both users and stakeholders.

A more solid answer

Certainly! Let me tell you about a project that required me to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I was working as the lead designer on a platform that allowed users to book travel accommodations. One of the problems we faced was that users were having difficulty comparing the prices of different options. To address this, I conducted user interviews and analyzed the feedback to understand the root causes of the issue. Through this process, I discovered that users wanted a more visual and intuitive way to compare prices. To solve this problem, I designed a side-by-side comparison feature that displayed key information, such as price, location, and amenities, in a clear and organized manner. I also incorporated interactive filters and sorting options to further enhance the user experience. The result was a significant improvement in user satisfaction and an increase in bookings.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details about the project, including the context (a travel accommodation platform), the specific problem (difficulty comparing prices), and the candidate's approach (user interviews, analysis, and the design of a side-by-side comparison feature). The answer also highlights the impact of the solution on user satisfaction and business metrics.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share with you a challenging problem I tackled using critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In my previous role as a product designer at an e-commerce company, we faced a problem where the checkout process had a high cart abandonment rate. Through research and data analysis, I identified that the checkout form was lengthy and complex, leading to user frustration and abandonment. To tackle this issue, I collaborated with the development team and performed a comprehensive UX audit of the checkout process. I used heatmaps, click tracking, and user surveys to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Based on the findings, I proposed a solution to simplify the form fields, streamline the steps, and introduce progress indicators. I also implemented address auto-completion and saved payment information features to further reduce friction. After implementing these changes, we saw a significant reduction in cart abandonment and an increase in conversion rate by 20%. The success of this project was recognized by the company's leadership and resulted in a promotion to a senior product designer role.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer adds more complexity to the problem and solution by introducing a high cart abandonment rate in the checkout process of an e-commerce company. The candidate demonstrates their critical thinking skills by performing a comprehensive UX audit and using various research methods to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The solution proposed includes specific improvements like simplifying the form fields, introducing progress indicators, and implementing time-saving features. The answer also highlights the measurable impact of the solution, resulting in a significant increase in conversion rate and a promotion for the candidate.

How to prepare for this question

Think about a past project or experience where you faced a complex problem that required critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This can be from your professional or personal life.
Make sure to clearly describe the problem you solved and the steps you took to solve it. Provide specific details and examples to support your answer.
Highlight the impact of your solution, whether it's improved user satisfaction, increased efficiency, or positive business outcomes.
Demonstrate your ability to gather and analyze data to inform your problem-solving process. Mention the research methods or data analysis techniques you utilized.
Emphasize your collaboration and communication skills by mentioning how you worked with cross-functional teams or stakeholders to find and implement the solution.

What interviewers are evaluating

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills