The Art of Interviewing

Today’s the day. You’ve been designing for a year or two, with a couple of projects under your belt, but it’s been a while since you’ve done an interview. Your questions are solid, shared with colleagues, refined follow-ups, yes/no paths mapped out, but you know, real people rarely follow a script. Excited and a little nervous, you take a deep breath and get ready for four conversations on the same topic.

The first participant is quiet and hesitant. They avoid eye contact, offer one-word answers, and pause before speaking. You slow down, soften your tone, and let the silence settle just long enough to give them space. “Can you tell me a little bit more about that?” you ask. Gradually, their posture eases, their words lengthen. That small act of checking in, paying attention to their comfort, turns the conversation around.

The next participant couldn’t be more different, enthusiastic, animated, and easily sidetracked. They bounce from one story to another, and you ride the wave, listening closely, nodding, and validating. When it’s time to refocus, you do it with care: “That’s really interesting. How does this relate to that experience?” You learn that engagement doesn’t mean directing every word; it’s about guiding with a light touch while staying in sync with their energy.

Halfway through the day, the tone changes and takes a heavier turn. A participant mentions something personal and emotional. You notice their tone shift. Their hands fidget, and their eyes look away. You pause and acknowledge the difficulty. You offer options. Would you like to take a moment? Do you need some water? A quick break? Maybe a tissue? And let them decide. Giving them agency and showing empathy ensures that they feel safe; even small gestures like these can keep trust intact while still allowing you to gather insights. 

The final interview is easygoing, comfortable, and relaxed, but the answers are broad, almost too general. You lean in: “Can you walk me through the steps you usually take?” or “When was the last time you experienced this?” Even in friendly conversation, you know that specifics matter, and gentle nudges bring clarity.

By the end of the day, you’ve met four different people, each with a different rhythm. You’ve slowed down when needed, guided without pushing, given space when it mattered, and pressed for details when the moment called for it. That’s the real work of interviewing, not a perfect script, but the ability to see the person in front of you, respond to their needs, and keep empathy at the heart of every exchange.

If you want to keep developing those instincts — empathy, focus, and adaptability — my “Skill Refinement Sessions” offer space to practice and refine. Even brief, intentional sessions can help you feel more prepared and confident in any interview conversation. Ready to refine a skill? Book your session here.


Helping UX Designers bridge gaps and grow

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