Interviewing can feel opaque, especially when it comes to whiteboard exercises. At Mark43, our goal is to make this part of the process as transparent and representative of real work as possible.
This exercise isn’t about putting you on the spot or testing how quickly you can produce a polished solution. It’s about understanding how you think, collaborate, and approach complex problems.
Why We Do It
Design at Mark43 is highly collaborative and deeply integrated with product and engineering. The whiteboard session helps us see how you:
- Break down ambiguous problems
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Explore multiple directions before committing
- Communicate your thinking clearly
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners
In short, we’re evaluating how you work, not just what you produce.
What to Expect
Our whiteboard exercise is conducted remotely using FigJam, reflecting how we collaborate day-to-day.
You’ll receive a FigJam file 24 hours ahead of your session. Please test access in advance to avoid any technical issues.
During the session, you’ll work with a small group typically a designer, product manager, and engineer. Together, you’ll explore a problem space, generate ideas, and evolve a solution.
This is an interactive session. Expect dialogue, questions, and shared ownership of the outcome.
How to Approach the Exercise
Strong candidates tend to focus on process over perfection. A few things that help:
Start with clarity
Take time to understand the problem. Ask questions, define assumptions, and align on goals before jumping into solutions.
Think in systems
We value designers who can zoom out considering edge cases, scalability, and how pieces connect across an experience.
Show your work
Externalize your thinking. Use the canvas to map flows, sketch ideas, and evolve concepts as the conversation progresses.
Collaborate actively
This isn’t a solo exercise. Build on others’ ideas, invite feedback, and treat it like a working session with future teammates.
Stay flexible
You may pivot as new constraints or ideas emerge. That’s expected and often a good sign.
What We’re Looking For
We’re not grading visual polish or expecting a “perfect” solution. Instead, we’re looking for:
- Structured thinking and problem framing
- Clear communication and storytelling
- Ability to navigate ambiguity
- Product intuition and judgment
- Collaboration and openness to feedback
A Final Note
It’s normal to feel some pressure in these settings. Keep in mind: this exercise is meant to reflect on how we work together. If you focus on being thoughtful, collaborative, and clear in your thinking, you’ll give us what we’re looking for.
