Simply Business UX/UI Designer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions reflect patterns observed in recent Simply Business hiring cycles. While the specific focus can shift depending on the seniority of the role, these categories represent the core competencies the team evaluates.

Portfolio & Case Study Depth

These questions assess your ability to articulate your design process, from initial discovery to final implementation.

• Can you walk us through a project where you had to solve a particularly complex user problem?
• How did you validate your design choices with actual user data or research?

Preparation should focus on your ability to tell a cohesive story. You are being evaluated on your technical output, but equally on your ability to articulate the strategic rationale behind your work.

Role-related knowledge – You must demonstrate mastery of standard design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch) and modern design systems. Interviewers look for evidence that you understand the technical constraints of web and mobile development, ensuring your hand-offs to engineering are seamless.

Problem-solving ability – You will be assessed on how you structure ambiguous problems. Use frameworks like Design Thinking to walk interviewers through your process—from empathy and definition to ideation and testing.

Leadership & Communication – Even in individual contributor roles, Simply Business values candidates who can influence peers and stakeholders. Practice explaining complex design decisions in simple terms to non-designers.

Culture fit & Values – The team prioritizes a collaborative, friendly, and transparent working style. Be prepared to show that you are a team player who is comfortable asking questions and engaging in open, honest dialogue.

The interview process at Simply Business is designed to be thorough, ensuring that both the candidate and the team are a strong match. While the number of stages can fluctuate, the standard path involves an initial screening, a deep dive into your professional experience, and a practical assessment of your design capabilities.

The process is generally characterized by a friendly and professional atmosphere. You can expect to interact with a diverse panel, including design managers, fellow designers, and potentially, cross-functional partners. The timeline can vary, so ensure you have clear communication with your point of contact regarding status updates and scheduling.

This visual timeline highlights the progression from initial screening to final decision. Use this to pace your study; while the HR screen is foundational, the technical and panel interviews require significant preparation of your portfolio and case studies to demonstrate your depth of experience.

Design Execution & Craft

This area evaluates your visual design skills, interaction patterns, and attention to detail. Strong performance involves demonstrating a clean, modern aesthetic that adheres to accessibility standards.

Be ready to go over:

• Visual hierarchy – How you guide the user's eye through a digital product.
• Accessibility (WCAG) – Ensuring your designs are usable by everyone.
• Prototyping – Using high-fidelity prototypes to communicate interaction behavior.

Example scenarios:

• "Walk us through a design system component you built from scratch."
• "How do you ensure your designs are responsive across different viewports?"

Strategic Thinking

Simply Business operates in a competitive and regulated space. You must show that you understand the business implications of your design work.

Be ready to go over:

• Conversion optimization – How design directly impacts business KPIs.
• User research integration – Translating qualitative insights into quantitative design improvements.
• Stakeholder management – Navigating trade-offs between speed, quality, and business requirements.

Example scenarios:

• "How would you prioritize design debt versus new feature development?"
• "Describe a time you used data to pivot your design strategy."

As a UX/UI Designer, your day-to-day involves more than just pixels. You will be responsible for creating user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups that serve as the blueprint for our digital products. A major component of your work is participating in design critiques, where you will give and receive feedback to improve the overall quality of our design output.

Collaboration is the heartbeat of your role. You will work in cross-functional squads, where you are the voice of the user. You will regularly translate complex insurance jargon into simple, actionable interface elements, ensuring that our customers feel informed and confident throughout their journey.

A successful candidate for this role possesses a blend of creative talent and analytical rigor. You should have a robust portfolio that showcases not just the final result, but the journey of how you arrived there.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in Figma or equivalent, a strong understanding of User-Centered Design (UCD) principles, and experience working within a Design System.
• Nice-to-have skills: Familiarity with front-end technologies (HTML/CSS), experience in A/B testing, and a background in fintech or complex enterprise platforms.
• Experience level: Most successful applicants have 3+ years of experience in product design roles, with a proven track record of shipping successful digital products in agile environments.

Q: How long does the interview process typically take? A: Candidates have reported varying timelines, often spanning from a few weeks to two months. Maintain consistent communication with your HR contact to stay informed.

Q: What is the most important thing to focus on? A: Your portfolio. Ensure your case studies clearly state the problem, your role, the research conducted, and the measurable impact of your design.

Q: Is the atmosphere formal or relaxed? A: Feedback consistently points to a friendly, collaborative, and "natural" interview environment. While the process is rigorous, the people you meet are generally welcoming.

Q: Will I have a design challenge? A: Yes, many candidates participate in a practical assessment or case study presentation. Use this as an opportunity to show your problem-solving process rather than just your visual skills.

• Prioritize clarity: When presenting your portfolio, don't overwhelm the interviewers with too much text. Let your design speak and use your narrative to fill in the gaps.
• Be ready for "What if": Interviewers love to ask how you would handle a specific limitation. Be prepared to explain how you would adapt your design if a feature were cut or a timeline shortened.
• Ask meaningful questions: Use the end of your interviews to ask about the team's current design challenges or how they measure design success. It shows you are already thinking like a member of the team.
• Prepare for remote/in-person nuances: Whether your interview is virtual or on-site, ensure your presentation materials are accessible and that you are comfortable sharing your screen or navigating a room.

The UX/UI Designer role at Simply Business offers a unique opportunity to shape the digital face of an industry-leading company. By focusing on your design process, your ability to collaborate, and your strategic thinking, you will be well-positioned to succeed. Remember that every interview is a chance to showcase not just your portfolio, but your character as a teammate.

Prepare thoroughly by reviewing your past projects and practicing your storytelling. You have the skills to make a significant impact here, and with focused preparation, you can demonstrate exactly why you are the right fit for the team. Explore additional insights on Dataford to further refine your approach, and go into your interviews with confidence.

The salary module provides a window into compensation expectations for this role. Use this data to benchmark your expectations, keeping in mind that total compensation often includes benefits, bonuses, and growth opportunities that are specific to Simply Business.