UI UX design interview Q&A - After interviewing at 600+ companies

Summary

In this insightful video, a designer shares key insights into working with clients and preparing for interviews. They discuss how to collaborate effectively with developers by organizing assets and using grids, how to structure pricing based on project scope and client size, and their future career plans of running a business while continuing to take on client work. The video also covers important interview questions, emphasizing the need to ask about the design team, company culture, and product roadmap to assess fit and interest.

Takeaways

• 😀 The designer collaborates closely with developers by preparing assets and organizing them into clear, separate folders to make implementation smoother.
• 😀 A grid system is used in designs to help developers easily translate the design into a functional interface.
• 😀 The designer prefers to charge per project rather than hourly, though hourly rates may be more suitable for ongoing work.
• 😀 Rates vary depending on the client size: startups pay around $80/hr, while larger companies like Square pay up to $100/hr.
• 😀 The designer finds it important to inquire about the client's budget before discussing pricing, with a project-based fee often being clearer for both parties.
• 😀 In the next 3-5 years, the designer plans to continue growing their side business while still taking on client work and maintaining long-term client relationships.
• 😀 During interviews for full-time positions, the designer emphasizes passion for design and the intention to continue taking on freelance clients even in the future.
• 😀 The designer is open to working with big companies but remains committed to the design process and client work in a variety of roles.
• 😀 When asked about their future, the designer expresses uncertainty but shares their ongoing side projects like 'Classically' and their desire to stay engaged in design.
• 😀 In closing interviews, the designer asks about the company culture, design team size, collaboration processes, and upcoming product roadmaps to gauge the fit and future opportunities.

Q & A

How does the designer collaborate with developers when working on a project?

The designer organizes all assets into separate folders (e.g., icons) to make it easier for developers to use them. Additionally, the designer uses a grid system in their design files, allowing developers to understand how to structure the interface and maintain consistency.

What is the designer's preferred pricing model for freelance work?

The designer prefers to charge per project rather than hourly rates. This model provides clearer pricing for clients. For example, a full website design project may cost around $5,000, which is more predictable than an hourly rate.

How does the designer determine their hourly rate?

The designer adjusts their hourly rate based on the client. For startups, the hourly rate is typically $80, while for larger companies like Square, it may increase to around $100 per hour. The designer’s hourly rates can vary depending on the scope of the project and the client’s size.

Why does the designer prefer not to charge hourly rates?

The designer finds that charging per project makes more sense, as it gives clients a clearer expectation of total costs. Hourly rates can be unpredictable, especially if the project scope changes, making it difficult for both the designer and client to estimate final costs.

How does the designer approach long-term career plans?

The designer envisions running their own business in the future but still plans to continue doing client work because they love designing. They aim to balance both client projects and their side business over the next few years.

How does the designer respond to the question, 'Where do you see yourself in three years?' during a job interview?

The designer answers honestly by acknowledging that while they may not have a concrete plan, they are currently running a side business and hope to continue working with clients in the future. If the interview is with a major company like Apple, the response would be tailored to that specific context.

What questions does the designer ask the employer during an interview?

The designer typically asks about the company's design team structure, how team members collaborate, the tools they use, and the product roadmap. These questions show the designer’s interest in the company’s culture and products.

What is the importance of asking about the company's culture during an interview?

Asking about the company’s culture helps the designer determine if they would be a good fit for the organization. It also allows the designer to understand how they might collaborate with the team and whether the company’s goals align with their career aspirations.

Why is understanding the product roadmap important for a designer?

Knowing the product roadmap helps the designer understand the direction of the company’s products and whether the projects they’ll be working on align with their interests and long-term career goals.

What is the designer's approach to discussing project pricing when clients don’t initially provide a budget?

If the client does not mention a budget, the designer will typically provide a ballpark figure for the project. This helps guide the conversation and allows the client to adjust their expectations accordingly. For example, for a website design project, the designer might mention a price range like $5,000.