As a self-taught UX designer with over 9 years of experience, including a background in development, I recently had the opportunity to interview for a Senior UX Designer position at Microsoft. While I didn't ultimately secure the role, the experience was incredibly valuable, and I want to share my insights to help other designers preparing for similar interviews.
The Interview Process
The interview process consisted of three rounds:
-
Portfolio Presentation and Q&A
-
Design Challenge: Digital Subscriptions Management
-
Advanced Design Challenge: The 1000 Floor Elevator Problem
Round 1: Portfolio Presentation
The first round focused on presenting my portfolio, followed by a Q&A session about my work. This round is crucial for showcasing your best projects and demonstrating your ability to communicate your design decisions effectively. This has been a cake walk as I had a good grip over my presentation and the work I've done.
Round 2: Digital Subscriptions Management
The second round involved a design challenge centered around digital subscriptions management. This round tested:
-
My approach to design challenges
-
Fundamental UX principles
-
User research techniques (through role-play with the interviewer)
The challenge was relatively straightforward and easy, focusing on my ability to ask the right questions and apply basic design principles.
Round 3: The 1000 Floor Elevator Problem
The final round presented a much more complex challenge: the infamous 1000 floor elevator problem. This is a popular question in MAANG companies, designed to test a candidate's problem-solving skills and ability to handle abstract, large-scale design problems.
Here's a medium article solving similar problem.
This round was particularly challenging, and I struggled to fully grasp and solve the problem within the given time frame.
My Takeaways
-
Positive Interview Experience: Despite not getting the position, my overall experience was highly positive. The interviewers were friendly, and the process felt more like a collaborative brainstorming session than a traditional interview.
-
Company Culture: The interview style increased my respect for Microsoft, as it reflected a work environment that values open discussion and collaboration.
-
Areas for Improvement: The experience highlighted areas where I need to improve, particularly in tackling complex, abstract design problems like the 1000 floor elevator challenge.
-
Preparation is Key: While my portfolio and fundamental skills were strong, I realized the importance of practicing a wider range of design challenges, including more abstract problems.
-
Continuous Learning: This experience has motivated me to work even harder and continue developing my skills, especially in areas where I fell short during the interview.
Advice for Fellow Designers
-
Practice Various Types of Design Challenges: Don't just focus on your portfolio. Prepare for both practical and abstract design problems.
-
Improve Problem-Solving Skills: Work on your ability to break down complex problems and think through solutions methodically.
-
Communicate Your Thought Process: During design challenges, verbalize your thinking. Interviewers are often more interested in your approach than the final solution.
-
Stay Positive: Remember that each interview, regardless of the outcome, is a learning experience that can help you grow as a designer.
While I didn't secure the position this time, I'm grateful for the experience and the insights it provided.