Whiteboard Challenge Tips

1. Prioritize Process Over Solution

Hiring managers are more interested in understanding how you approach problems than in the final design itself. Demonstrate this by:

• Breaking down the problem into clear, logical steps.

• Articulating your reasoning for each decision.

• Focusing on your methodology rather than fixating on the end result.

This approach highlights your problem-solving skills and adaptability. 

2. Emphasize Clarity Over Complexity

Clear communication is crucial. Ensure your ideas are easily understood by:

• Keeping your solutions simple and avoiding unnecessary features.

• Using sketches or diagrams to visualize your thought process.

• Explaining your decisions in layman's terms, avoiding jargon.

This clarity makes your ideas more accessible and memorable to interviewers.

3. Demonstrate Adaptability and Collaboration

Show your ability to adapt and work collaboratively by:

• Iterating on your ideas in real-time during the challenge.

• Asking clarifying questions to better understand the problem.

• Inviting feedback from the interviewer and incorporating it into your approach.

This demonstrates your openness to feedback and your collaborative mindset.

4. Utilize a Structured Framework

IDEAS Framework prevents you from jumping straight into solutions and helps interviewers follow your reasoning. Designed for whiteboard exercises:

• Identify the problem and context

• Define users and needs

• Explore possible flows/solutions

• Articulate the rationale

• Sketch UI and summarize