If you're a graduate looking to get into design and need to get a feel for the kind of questions employers might ask at interview, then make sure you research these graduate design interview questions below. These questions and answers are taken from real graduate interviews, and compiled to give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare your answers.
Example Design Interview Questions:
1. When creating graphics, what do you feel is the most important aspect: planning, design, or implementation, and why?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer seeks to understand your design process and priorities. They are interested in your ability to justify your choices and recognise the importance of each stage in achieving a successful outcome. The aspect of graphics that you choose is not the important part of the question. It is only important that you can justify your choice.
Example Answer: "(Situation) During a university project, I was tasked with developing promotional materials for a campus event. (Task) I needed to decide where to focus my efforts - planning, design, or implementation - to ensure the project's success. (Action) I prioritised the planning phase, conducting thorough research on the target audience and effective messaging strategies. This informed my design choices, leading to a cohesive visual concept. During implementation, I ensured high-quality production by collaborating closely with the print shop. (Result) The well-planned approach led to increased event attendance and positive feedback on the promotional materials."
2. In the past, what was your favourite project and why?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer wants to gauge your passion for design and understand what motivates you. They are looking for insights into the types of projects you find fulfilling and the challenges you enjoy tackling.
Example Answer: "(Situation) During my final year at university, I participated in a project to redesign the student union's website. (Task) The goal was to create a user-friendly platform that engaged students and provided essential information. (Action) I collaborated with a team to conduct user research, develop wireframes, and design an intuitive interface. We incorporated feedback from usability testing to refine the design. (Result) The revamped website saw a 25% increase in user engagement and was praised for its accessibility and aesthetic appeal."
3. Where do you go for inspiration?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer is interested in your creative process and how you seek out inspiration. This reveals your ability to stay current with design trends and your openness to diverse influences. Your choice of inspiration is not as important as your justification of that choice.
Example Answer: "(Situation) To keep my designs fresh and innovative, I regularly seek inspiration from various sources. (Task) I aim to broaden my creative horizons and stay updated on industry trends. (Action) I visit art galleries, follow design blogs, and participate in online design communities. Additionally, I draw inspiration from nature and everyday life, observing patterns, colours, and forms. (Result) This eclectic approach enriches my design work, allowing me to incorporate diverse elements and stay creatively stimulated."
4. How did you get into design?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer wants to understand your background and motivation for choosing a career in design. They are looking for evidence of your passion and commitment to the field.
Example Answer: "(Situation) From a young age, I had a keen interest in art and creativity. (Task) As I explored various artistic avenues, I discovered a passion for visual communication. (Action) This led me to pursue a degree in graphic design, where I honed my skills in typography, layout, and digital media. I also volunteered to design promotional materials for local charities, gaining practical experience. (Result) These experiences solidified my commitment to a career in design, where I can combine creativity with purposeful communication."
5. Name five factors that will influence design in the next five years.
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer is assessing your awareness of emerging trends and your ability to anticipate future developments in the design industry.
Example Answer: "(Situation) Considering the rapidly evolving design landscape, several factors are poised to influence the field. (Task) It's essential to stay informed about these developments to remain relevant. (Action) Firstly, advancements in artificial intelligence will automate routine design tasks, allowing designers to focus on creativity. Secondly, the increasing emphasis on sustainability will drive eco-friendly design practices. Thirdly, the rise of immersive technologies like AR and VR will open new avenues for interactive design. Fourthly, the growing importance of inclusivity will lead to designs that cater to diverse audiences. Lastly, remote collaboration tools will continue to evolve, facilitating seamless teamwork across geographies. (Result) By acknowledging these factors, designers can adapt and thrive in the changing environment."
6. Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you handle it?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer wants to assess your time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and commitment to delivering quality work within constraints.
Example Answer: "(Situation) In my typography course, we were assigned a project with a one-week deadline to design a typeface. (Task) I needed to manage my time effectively to complete the project without compromising quality. (Action) I broke down the project into manageable tasks, creating a detailed schedule. I focused on essential design elements and sought feedback early in the process to make necessary adjustments promptly. (Result) I successfully completed the typeface on time, receiving positive feedback for its creativity and functionality."
7. How do you incorporate feedback into your design process?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer is interested in your receptiveness to feedback and your ability to integrate constructive criticism into your work to improve outcomes.
Example Answer: "(Situation) While working on a branding project for a university club, I presented initial logo concepts to the members. (Task) The goal was to create a logo that resonated with the club's identity. (Action) I gathered their feedback, which highlighted the need for a more modern look. I revised the designs accordingly and presented the updated versions for further input. (Result) The collaborative approach led to a final logo that the members felt truly represented their club, enhancing their brand identity."
8. Can you describe a time when you had to learn a new design tool or software quickly?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer seeks to understand your adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies to enhance your design capabilities.
Example Answer: "(Situation) During a summer internship, I was assigned to a project that required proficiency in Adobe After Effects, which I hadn't used before. (Task) To contribute effectively, I needed to learn the software quickly. (Action) I dedicated time to online tutorials and practiced by creating small animations. I also consulted colleagues for tips and best practices. (Result) Within a short period, I became proficient enough to assist in creating engaging motion graphics for the project, receiving commendation for my rapid learning curve."
9. How do you handle constructive criticism of your designs?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer wants to evaluate your openness to feedback and your ability to use it as a tool for professional growth. They are looking for resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to refine your work based on input.
Example Answer: "(Situation) In a group design project at university, I created a poster that I felt was visually strong, but my peers provided feedback suggesting it lacked hierarchy. (Task) I needed to consider their input and adjust the design while maintaining my creative vision. (Action) I listened carefully, asked clarifying questions, and experimented with different layouts to improve readability. I presented a revised version for further feedback. (Result) The final design was much stronger, and I realised that constructive criticism is essential for refining ideas and achieving better outcomes."
10. Can you describe a time when you solved a design problem creatively?
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer is assessing your problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box when faced with challenges in design. They want to see how you approach obstacles and find innovative solutions.
Example Answer: "(Situation) During a university branding project, I had to design a logo that worked equally well in colour and black and white, but my initial design lost its impact in monochrome. (Task) I needed to find a way to maintain visual appeal across all formats. (Action) I simplified the design by focusing on strong shapes and contrast rather than relying on colour. I also tested different variations to ensure legibility across different mediums. (Result) The final design remained visually striking in all formats, and I learned the importance of designing with versatility in mind."