Brooks Running UX/UI Designer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns observed in Brooks Running interview cycles. While specific inquiries may shift depending on the seniority of the role and the immediate needs of the creative team, you should prepare to discuss your process, your portfolio, and your alignment with the brand.

Portfolio and Experience

• These questions assess your history, your design philosophy, and how your past projects translate to the needs of Brooks Running.
• Tell me about your experience.
• Why should we hire you?

Preparation for Brooks Running should be grounded in a deep familiarity with the brand's aesthetic and a clear articulation of your own design process. You are being evaluated not just on your output, but on how you think through complex problems.

Role-related knowledge – You must demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in modern design tools and methodologies. Be prepared to explain your workflow from wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and how you maintain consistency within a design system.

Problem-solving ability – The interviewers look for your ability to identify pain points in a user journey. Whether critiquing the current website or discussing a past project, focus on the rationale behind your design decisions rather than just the final visual result.

Communication and Collaboration – As a UX/UI Designer, you will work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering and marketing. Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex design concepts to non-design stakeholders effectively.

The interview process at Brooks Running is generally designed to be professional and structured, focusing on both your technical design skills and your cultural fit within the creative team. You can expect an initial screen with a recruiter to establish your background and interest, followed by a deeper dive with a design manager.

If you progress, you will likely participate in a more rigorous phase that may include a portfolio presentation to the creative team or one-on-one sessions with key stakeholders. The goal of this process is to assess how you approach design challenges and how well you collaborate with others. Expect a balance of behavioral questions and specific, hands-on discussions regarding your past design work.

This timeline illustrates the progression from initial screening to deeper team-based evaluations. Candidates should view this as a transition from high-level "fit" discussions to detailed, project-based technical assessments. Manage your energy accordingly, as later rounds will require you to be highly articulate about your design choices and project history.

Design Execution and Technical Proficiency

• This area evaluates your mastery of design software and your ability to produce high-quality assets.
• Strong performance involves demonstrating a clean, consistent, and scalable design approach.
• Be ready to go over:
  • Design systems and component libraries.

As a UX/UI Designer, your primary responsibility is the creation and refinement of digital interfaces that support the Brooks Running brand. You will be expected to drive the design process from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring that every interface element is functional, accessible, and aesthetically aligned with the company’s high-performance identity.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will work alongside software engineers, product managers, and marketing teams to ensure that your designs are not only beautiful but technically feasible. You will often be responsible for presenting your work to stakeholders, articulating the rationale behind your design decisions, and incorporating feedback from cross-functional partners to improve the final product.

Candidates for the UX/UI Designer position should possess a robust portfolio and a clear understanding of the design lifecycle.

• Must-have skills: Proficient in industry-standard design tools (such as Figma or Adobe Creative Suite), strong understanding of user-centered design principles, and experience working within a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with motion design, basic front-end development knowledge (HTML/CSS), or previous experience in the apparel or athletic retail industry.
• Experience level: Most roles require a solid foundation of design experience, typically demonstrated through a portfolio that highlights both the process and the final outcome of your projects.

Q: How much time should I spend preparing my portfolio? A: Dedicate significant time to curating your portfolio to focus on 3–4 high-impact projects. Be ready to tell the story of each project, specifically highlighting the challenges you faced and the role you played in the team.

Q: Is the interview process difficult? A: The process is rigorous and designed to test your depth of knowledge. Expect to be challenged on your design decisions and to justify your process when asked about current or past work.

Q: What is the culture like at Brooks Running? A: The culture is professional, collaborative, and deeply focused on the runner. You will find a team that values innovation and high-performance, and you should aim to reflect that energy in your responses.

• Articulate your process: When presenting your portfolio, don't just show the final screens. Explain the problem statement, your research, the alternatives you considered, and why you chose the final path.
• Know the brand: Spend time on the Brooks Running website and mobile interfaces. Have an informed opinion on what works well and what could be improved.
• Be ready for collaboration questions: You will likely work with engineers and product managers; prepare examples of how you have successfully navigated disagreements or complex constraints in a team setting.

The UX/UI Designer role at Brooks Running offers a unique opportunity to shape the digital presence of a top-tier athletic brand. Success hinges on your ability to combine technical design excellence with a strategic, user-focused mindset. By mastering your portfolio presentation and clearly communicating your design rationale, you will position yourself as a strong candidate.

You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford to further refine your approach. Remember that preparation is the key to confidence; take the time to reflect on your experiences and align them with the needs of the team.

The salary data provided reflects current market ranges for this role. Candidates should interpret these figures as a baseline, considering that total compensation packages may include additional benefits, performance incentives, and variations based on specific experience levels and seniority.