Success at Acuity Brands requires a structured approach to your design process. You must be able to articulate not just what you designed, but why you designed it, specifically in the context of user outcomes and technical feasibility.

Role-related knowledge – You must demonstrate proficiency in standard design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite). Additionally, familiarity with the constraints of the lighting or building-automation industry will set you apart from generalist candidates.

Problem-solving ability – Interviewers look for a logical, step-by-step approach to design challenges. Be ready to explain how you gather requirements, conduct user research, and iterate based on data or technical feedback.

Communication and Influence – Since you will be working closely with engineers, your ability to explain design trade-offs clearly is essential. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers concise and impactful.

The interview process at Acuity Brands is generally straightforward, typically involving two to four stages. You should expect a combination of recruiter screenings, behavioral interviews with HR, and deep-dive sessions with members of the product or engineering teams. The pace is professional and focused, with an emphasis on determining if your design philosophy aligns with the company's long-term technical goals.

The visual timeline above illustrates the standard progression from initial engagement to final technical assessment. You should interpret this as a path of increasing specificity; while the early stages focus on culture and general experience, the later stages will test your ability to solve specific design problems in real-time. Use this to pace your preparation, starting with high-level narrative stories and moving to deep technical practice as you advance.

Design Methodology

Your process is as important as your portfolio. Interviewers want to see how you move from a vague problem statement to a refined, usable interface.

Be ready to go over:

• Discovery – How you define the problem and identify user needs.
• Prototyping – Your approach to rapid iteration and usability testing.
• Collaboration – How you involve developers early in the design cycle.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk us through a case study from your portfolio where the initial requirements changed mid-project."
• "How do you conduct usability testing when you have limited access to end-users?"

Technical Literacy

Because you are designing for physical systems, understanding the technical ecosystem is a key differentiator.

Be ready to go over:

• Hardware constraints – Understanding how UI impacts physical hardware performance.
• Industry Standards – Awareness of building codes or electrical standards like Title 24.
• System Integration – How your designs interact with backend APIs or IoT ecosystems.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you design a control interface for a user with no technical background?"
• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex, data-heavy interface."

As a UX/UI Designer, you will own the end-to-end user experience for specific product lines. Your primary responsibility is to create intuitive interfaces that allow customers to interact with Acuity Brands hardware seamlessly. You will work in a highly collaborative environment, frequently iterating on designs based on feedback from Engineering and Product Management.

You will be expected to:

• Translate complex technical requirements into user-friendly wireframes and prototypes.
• Maintain and contribute to the company’s design system to ensure consistency across products.
• Conduct user research to validate design concepts before they reach the development phase.
• Collaborate with software engineers to ensure that the final product matches your design specifications.

A strong candidate for this position brings a blend of creative design skills and practical, technical awareness.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in modern design tools, a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, and experience working in cross-functional product teams.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with IoT, building management systems, or industrial design is highly valued. Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) is also a strong plus.
• Experience level: While specific years are flexible, a proven track record of shipping successful digital products is essential. You should be prepared to discuss the metrics or outcomes associated with your previous work.

Q: How long does the interview process typically take? A: Most candidates report a process lasting between two to four weeks, depending on team availability and scheduling.

Q: Is there a portfolio review? A: Yes, be prepared to walk through your portfolio. Focus on 2–3 projects that demonstrate your problem-solving process rather than just the final, polished visuals.

Q: How technical are the interviews? A: They are moderately technical. You won't be expected to write code, but you will be expected to understand the technical constraints of the products you are designing.

Q: What is the company culture like? A: The culture is often described as professional and collaborative. There is a strong emphasis on team-based problem solving and a focus on long-term project stability.

• Research the Industry: Spend time understanding the current trends in smart building technology. It will help you speak the language of your interviewers.
• Be Ready for Feedback: If asked to perform a design exercise, treat it as a conversation. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions about the constraints or the user persona.
• Focus on Impact: When discussing your past work, emphasize the results. Did your design reduce user errors? Did it improve task completion time?
• Structure Your Answers: Use the STAR method to ensure your responses are focused and easy for the interviewer to follow.

The UX/UI Designer role at Acuity Brands offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of intelligent spaces. By focusing on your ability to simplify technical complexity and your capacity to work effectively within an engineering-driven environment, you will be well-positioned to stand out.

Preparation is your greatest asset. Review your past projects, ensure you can articulate your design decisions clearly, and familiarize yourself with the intersection of UX and industrial technology. You have the skills to succeed; now, focus on presenting them in a way that aligns with the collaborative and innovative spirit of the Acuity Brands team.

The salary data provided represents the current market range for this role. Use this to benchmark your expectations and understand the compensation structure, which may include base salary and other benefits typical for a design lead position.