Preparation should focus on your ability to articulate the "why" behind your design decisions. At RELX, the interviewers are not just looking for a beautiful portfolio; they are looking for a designer who understands the business context and the technical feasibility of their work.

Role-related Knowledge – You must demonstrate proficiency in modern design tools and methodologies. Expect to discuss your mastery of interaction design, wireframing, and high-fidelity prototyping in the context of professional-grade software.

Problem-solving Ability – You will be evaluated on your logical approach to complex design challenges. Be prepared to talk through a case study from start to finish, highlighting how you defined the problem, explored solutions, and measured success.

Collaboration and Influence – Your ability to work with product and engineering teams is vital. You should be ready to provide examples of how you have influenced product roadmaps or successfully navigated team dynamics to achieve a superior user experience.

The hiring process for a UX/UI Designer at RELX is designed to evaluate both your technical proficiency and your alignment with the team’s culture. While the process can vary, it generally starts with a screening call to verify your background, followed by deeper technical discussions with leadership and team members.

You should expect a rigorous, multi-stage process that prioritizes your thought process over rote testing. Unlike some organizations that rely heavily on take-home assignments, RELX tends to focus on in-depth conversations and portfolio reviews. This approach allows you to demonstrate your expertise in real-time, though it requires you to be articulate and prepared to defend your design choices under scrutiny.

This timeline illustrates the progression from initial screening to deeper team-based assessments. Use this structure to pace your preparation, ensuring you have your portfolio stories refined before the deeper technical interviews begin. Note that some regions or teams may experience longer wait times, so maintaining patience throughout the process is advised.

Portfolio and Case Studies

This is the cornerstone of your interview. Your portfolio is the primary evidence of your ability to solve real-world problems.

Be ready to go over:

• User research integration – How you gathered data and applied it to your designs.
• Design rationale – Why you chose specific patterns or flows over others.
• Outcome measurement – How you determined if your design was successful.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk us through your most complex project and the specific design constraints you faced."
• "How did you iterate on your design after receiving initial user feedback?"

Cross-Functional Collaboration

At RELX, your designs will be implemented by engineers and managed by product owners. You must show that you understand their perspectives.

Be ready to go over:

• Developer handoff – Your methods for ensuring designs are buildable.
• Stakeholder management – How you communicate design value to non-designers.
• Iterative feedback loops – How you incorporate technical limitations into your design workflow.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell us about a time you had to pivot your design due to a technical limitation."
• "How do you ensure your UI remains consistent with the broader design system?"

As a UX/UI Designer, you will own the end-to-end design lifecycle for specific product modules. You will collaborate daily with product managers to define requirements and with engineering teams to ensure high-quality implementation. A significant part of your week will involve iterating on wireframes, conducting user testing, and refining your prototypes based on performance data.

You will also be expected to contribute to the maintenance and evolution of the organization’s design system. This involves documenting patterns, ensuring accessibility compliance, and advocating for user needs in product planning meetings. You are the bridge between complex professional requirements and the users who rely on these tools to do their jobs effectively.

A successful candidate possesses a strong foundation in both UX methodology and UI execution, typically supported by several years of industry experience.

• Must-have skills – Proficiency in industry-standard design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch), a strong grasp of design systems, and demonstrated experience in responsive design.
• Nice-to-have skills – Experience in data-heavy or enterprise-level applications, basic knowledge of front-end development (HTML/CSS), and experience with accessibility standards.
• Experience level – A proven track record of delivering end-to-end design solutions, typically requiring 3+ years of experience in a professional environment.

Q: How long does the hiring process usually take? The timeline can vary significantly. While some candidates move through the stages quickly, others may experience delays. Expect the process to take several weeks from the initial screen to a final decision.

Q: Will I be given a take-home design task? While some companies require them, feedback suggests RELX relies more heavily on portfolio walkthroughs and situational discussions. Focus your preparation on being able to explain your past work in detail.

Q: What is the most important trait for a candidate to demonstrate? The ability to clearly explain the "why" behind your design decisions is critical. You need to show that you are not just a pixel-pusher but a strategic partner who understands business goals.

Q: Is the interview process difficult? Candidates often describe the process as rigorous. The difficulty typically lies in the depth of the questions regarding your design process and your ability to work within a large, complex organization.

• Own your narrative: Be prepared to talk about your failures as much as your successes. It demonstrates maturity and a growth mindset.
• Understand the industry: Research the specific RELX business unit you are interviewing with. Showing interest in their domain (legal, science, etc.) sets you apart.
• Be clear and concise: In a large organization, the ability to communicate complex ideas simply is a highly valued skill.
• Prepare questions for them: Use the interview as a chance to learn about their team culture and the specific design challenges they are currently facing.

Preparing for a UX/UI Designer role at RELX requires a strategic approach that balances your technical design skills with your ability to navigate complex organizational needs. By focusing on your design rationale, your ability to collaborate across functions, and your capacity to solve intricate user problems, you will be well-positioned to succeed.

Remember that each interview is an opportunity to showcase not just your work, but how you think. Use the insights provided here to structure your preparation and approach the process with confidence. You are encouraged to continue exploring resources on Dataford to refine your readiness, and we wish you the best of luck in securing your new role.