Research methods questions
"When would you use qualitative versus quantitative research?" Qualitative: understanding the why behind behaviour, generating hypotheses, exploring mental models, unknown unknowns — interviews, contextual observation, diary studies, usability testing. Example: interviews to understand why users abandoned checkout. Quantitative: measuring magnitude, validating hypotheses at scale, comparing options — surveys, A/B testing, clickstream analysis, card sorting with statistical analysis. Example: A/B test on two checkout flows to measure abandonment reduction at 95% confidence. Mature research uses both sequentially. "What is the difference between usability testing and concept testing?" Usability: can users complete tasks with an existing or prototype interface? Concept testing: do users understand and respond to a new idea or feature direction? Concept testing typically precedes detailed design; usability testing validates design decisions.
Synthesis and insight questions
"Walk me through how you synthesise findings from a round of research." Raw data organisation, affinity clustering (grouping observations by theme), pattern identification (what appears across multiple participants?), insight formation (patterns + implications — not just "five users struggled with X" but why, and what to do about it), prioritisation, output format for the audience (insight deck for strategy, annotated prototype for design). "How do you know when you have done enough research?" Thematic saturation: new interviews no longer generate new themes. With skilled qualitative researchers, five to eight participants often surfaces major themes for a homogeneous user group. Weigh cost of additional research against value of the decision it informs.
Stakeholder influence questions
"Tell me about a time research findings conflicted with a stakeholder's belief." Present findings clearly with data, seek to understand the stakeholder's reasoning, find common ground, make a concrete recommendation, track whether it was implemented. Show you can influence without authority. "How do you prioritise what to research when there is more to learn than time allows?" Tie research to decisions: what decisions are being made in the next sprint/quarter? What information would most change those decisions? Work from decision timelines, not a list of interesting questions.
Tools and portfolio questions
Common tool expectations: Lookback, UserZoom, Maze (moderated/unmoderated testing), Dovetail (analysis), FigJam (affinity mapping), Airtable (research repository), Typeform or Qualtrics (surveys), Amplitude or Mixpanel (quantitative context). Portfolio: case studies showing research process, insights generated, and product impact — not just methods used. Show the before (business question), the process, the findings, and the impact (decisions made, measurable outcome).