When I first stepped into the world of design, I was excited but also nervous about what would come in the interview process. I had honed my skills and worked on various projects, but I knew that design firms like IDEO and Frog Design were known for asking thought-provoking, creative questions that tested not just my technical skills but my ability to think outside the box.

One of the first questions I was asked in my interview at a renowned design firm was: "If you were an object in a room, what object would you be and why?" At first, it felt like an odd question, but as we dug deeper, I realized the goal wasn’t to get a right answer—it was to understand how I approached creativity, problem-solving, and communication.

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 creative interview questions that leading design firms like IDEO and Frog Design often ask. These questions are not just about testing your knowledge—they’re designed to push your thinking and give the interviewer insight into your mindset, creativity, and problem-solving approach.

1. "How would you design a better toothbrush?"

This is one of the classic questions asked by IDEO, known for its focus on human-centered design. The goal is not to come up with a technically perfect toothbrush, but to demonstrate how you think about improving everyday objects and consider the user’s experience.

Answer Tip: Focus on understanding the user’s pain points. Ask questions about what could be improved—comfort, accessibility, or perhaps the environmental impact of the design.

2. "If you could redesign anything in the world, what would it be and how?"

This question is aimed at evaluating your critical thinking and ability to look at the world with a design-oriented lens. It’s about spotting opportunities for improvement in everyday life.

Answer Tip: Choose something relevant and meaningful to you. Discuss the problem, how you’d approach redesigning it, and why your solution would make a difference.

3. "Describe a design project you worked on that failed. What did you learn from it?"

Failure is part of the design process, and firms like Frog Design want to understand how you learn from mistakes and grow as a designer.

Answer Tip: Be honest about your experience. Explain the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what lessons you took from the failure.

4. "How do you handle conflicting feedback on a design?"

In design, you’ll often face conflicting feedback from clients, users, or stakeholders. This question tests your communication and problem-solving skills.

Answer Tip: Explain how you would assess the feedback objectively, prioritize it based on the project’s goals, and communicate with stakeholders to reach a consensus.

5. "If you were designing a product for a population of blind people, how would you approach it?"

This question by IDEO challenges you to think about inclusivity and accessibility in design, considering how the product will be used by people with disabilities.

Answer Tip: Show empathy for the users. Consider how you would design a sensory experience, leveraging textures, sounds, or even smells.

6. "How do you stay inspired and avoid burnout in a creative field?"

Design is mentally taxing, and leading firms want to know how you maintain your creativity while avoiding burnout.

Answer Tip: Talk about the strategies you use to stay inspired, whether it’s through personal projects, taking breaks, or drawing inspiration from nature or art.

7. "What’s your favorite example of great design and why?"

This question aims to understand your design tastes and how you perceive good design.

Answer Tip: Choose something you truly admire. Explain why it works well, focusing on user experience, functionality, and aesthetics. Make it personal to your design philosophy.

8. "If we gave you a budget of $10,000 to redesign our office, how would you spend it?"

This is an interesting challenge where your creative and practical sides will be tested. It’s about allocating resources wisely while improving functionality and user experience.

Answer Tip: Show your thought process. Consider the needs of the people using the space, how the design can improve work efficiency, and how you would allocate the budget to achieve the most impact.

9. "If you could work with any brand in the world, which one would it be and why?"

Firms like Frog Design want to understand what drives your passion as a designer and who you think aligns with your values.

Answer Tip: Choose a brand that resonates with your design values. Whether it’s sustainability, innovation, or creativity, explain why working with that brand would inspire you.

10. "How do you approach a design project that you know very little about?"

Designers often work in fields they are not familiar with. This question assesses your research skills and ability to approach unfamiliar challenges.

Answer Tip: Explain how you would dive into research, talk to experts, and gather insights from the target audience. Emphasize how your creative thinking would help you solve problems even in unfamiliar situations.

Conclusion: The Power of Creative Thinking in Design Interviews

In 2025, design firms like IDEO and Frog Design continue to value creativity, empathy, and problem-solving in their interview process. These 10 creative interview questions reflect how they approach the design process and how they want to see you think, adapt, and grow as a designer.

To excel in these interviews, it’s important to focus not just on the "right" answers but on showing your ability to think outside the box, collaborate, and solve problems creatively. Remember, it’s not just about the technical skills—it’s about how you approach challenges and design with empathy and insight. Keep practicing, stay curious, and you’ll be ready to tackle any creative challenge that comes your way!