Book review : Solving product design exercises
Design exercises are a common step in interviews for UX and product design roles. The main goal is to see how interviewees think, communicate and approach a problem. If your considering of buying this book. Here is my review.
About the book
The books starts off with how an interview process would look like for UX / product designers. And followed by a structured outline of the why and hows about the design exercise(UX whiteboard challenge). And some example problems with possible solutions to it.
The good thing is that you can start at any chapter you feel you need. If your familiar with the challenges already. You can go right to the problems and answers chapter. And it’s a pretty short book that you can read or skim through pretty quickly.
There are less relevant content to product design exercises. Chapter 6 is about interviews from other designers. It might be a good read for entry level designers. Or else OK to skip.
Was the book useful for me?
I was preparing for a position that I really wanted. And out of desperation I bought the book. I didn’t want to regret not trying everything I could. Even though I had much experience with challenges.
The book had redundant information for me. But in problems and answers chapter. It was good to see examples how you would solve it.
In contrast I already have my approach of thinking solving problems. A habit that you gain from working in UX / product design. As there are no correct or best method of solving problems. Some parts I didn’t agree on.
In short, yes it did help me. But mostly from one chapter with problems and answers. You can find similar content on the internet if you have the time. The quality of which is better? I cannot really judge.
Important thing is I got the job.
This book is for
- If your setting foot in the UX, product design world. Definitely a good read for your next interview
- Always get rejected in the exercise phase. Maybe good to look back what your doing wrong.
- No time to google about Whiteboard challenges.
- Is desperate like me at that time.
This book is not for
- If your familiar and comfortable with exercises.
- You already think in a structured way. Maybe trying out the exercises would be more valuable use of time.
- Have time to search and learn about design challenges.
Useful articles I found for getting ready for whiteboard challenge, design exercise
The Beginner’s Guide to the Whiteboard Challenge
The whiteboard design challenge
Google interaction design challenge tips
Whiteboard Design Challenge — as part of the design interview process
