IXA

Problem

The number of talented designers far exceeds the number of available positions. As a result, junior UI/UX designers face stiff competition, especially junior UI/UX designers who rarely get realistic practice or actionable feedback. Through surveys and interviews, I learned that most junior designers struggle with anxiety, are underprepared for company-specific questions, and wish they had better guidance.

/01 Research & Problem Understanding

The Challenge: Landing a UI/UX Job in a Competitive Market

To uncover common challenges, I surveyed and interviewed junior designers actively applying for jobs.

Key findings:

• Anxiety & Pressure: 80% of participants felt nervous during interviews, unsure how to present themselves.

• Lack of Realistic Practice: Most practiced interviews alone, with no feedback or realistic simulation.

• Limited Research: Many underprepared when it came to researching the companies they applied to.

Interview: Quote

User Surveys

/02 Ideation & Concept

From Pain Points to Product Idea

After initial research, I explored different solutions to address interview anxiety and preparation. My first ideas included simple checklists and generic interview guides. However, I quickly realized many similar resources existed, making this approach less impactful.

To provide deeper value and differentiation, I decided to develop a more personalized and interactive solution. I envisioned an AI-driven platform offering customized interview scenarios tailored specifically to each user's profile, job target, and experience level. This allowed me to integrate realistic, company-specific questions and real-time constructive feedback, effectively simulating actual interview conditions.

Additionally, I included an educational component with curated UX tutorials to continuously support users in building their skills. This holistic approach ensures IXA remains practical, uniquely supportive, and highly effective.

Core ideas:

• Simulate realistic interviews based on the user's input

• Offer feedback on strengths and areas to improve

• Encourage preparation by prompting users to research their target company

• Provide educational content for continuous growth

  
  

How IXA Works

Generative AI drives IXA by analyzing user-provided data (CV details, job preferences, target companies) to create realistic and highly personalized mock interviews. Post-interview, the AI evaluates each response, offering detailed, actionable feedback, and suggests relevant educational resources where users show gaps or uncertainties. This approach ensures effective learning and meaningful improvement.

/03 Design Process

Designing the User Journey

1. Onboarding: A quick, thoughtful intake form to personalize the experience.

2. Interview Screen: A clean, calming interface showing the question, answer input, and AI feedback.

3. Feedback Summary: A final report with performance insights and personalized learning suggestions.

4. Tutorials: A resource library with interview and UX-specific guides.

/04 Usability Testing & Iteration

Listening to Users, Refining the Experience

I tested the prototype with junior designers and discovered the following:

Problem: The three-column layout felt cramped.
Fix: Simplified it to two columns for clarity and better focus.

Problem: Users didn’t understand why they needed to provide company/job info/CV info.
Fix: Added contextual explanations during onboarding.

/05 Final Design & Features

IXA now delivers a full coaching experience:

Tailored mock interviews and also using CV and job data

Feedback

Interview analysis, Real-time feedback on user answers and library of real interview questions

Tutorials

Educational tutorials for deeper learning and Contextual guidance to support company research

/06 Next Steps

Future Vision

Looking ahead, I envision expanding IXA’s capabilities—such as integrating portfolio reviews and collaborating with industry professionals to refine content—ultimately empowering junior designers everywhere to approach interviews as opportunities rather than obstacles.