A Whiteboard Exercise is a evaluative method frequently employed in job interviews, especially in design-related roles. It capitalizes on the interactive nature of whiteboards to assess an applicant’s problem-solving and design-thinking skills. In this exercise, candidates are presented with a specific design challenge and are tasked with conceptualizing and illustrating their thought process on a whiteboard.
The primary objectives of a Whiteboard Exercise are to gauge the candidate’s ability to:
- Visualize a Process:
- What it entails: The candidate should demonstrate the capacity to mentally map out a step-by-step approach to solving a design problem.
- Example: If the task is to design an ATM for the disabled, the candidate needs to visualize the user’s journey in using the ATM, considering accessibility needs at each step.
- Show Work:
- What it entails: Candidates are expected to illustrate their problem-solving methodology, articulating decisions and considerations.
- Example: The candidate might sketch rough outlines of the ATM interface, highlighting features designed for accessibility, and explaining the reasoning behind each choice.
- Arrive at Recommendations:
- What it entails: The candidate must conclude the exercise by presenting viable and well-reasoned recommendations based on their design decisions.
- Example: The candidate might suggest features such as voice-guided instructions, larger and tactile buttons, and adjustable screen height to enhance usability for disabled users.
Ultimately, a Whiteboard Exercise serves as a dynamic and real-time assessment of a candidate’s ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and creatively address design challenges. It allows employers to witness the ideation process, problem-solving approach, and communication skills of the candidate in a visually explicit manner.