Enabling hard-skill job seekers to refine their soft skills through practice: founding a new AI product MockAI

An AI-driven tool to boost coding interview skills, enhancing communication and problem-solving through real-world simulations in 2024.

Launched in 2024

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Role

UX Design

UX Research

Product Strategy

Duration

Apr 2024 - Present 

Now designing V3.0

Tools

Figma

Miro
Zoom
Usertesting

Overview

Why MockAI

From our survey of 200+ tech recruiters, 96% prioritize candidates with stronger communication skills. 2 millions+ engineers and students prep for coding interviews on paper but lack an affordable way to practice speaking out loud.  

Many technically skilled candidates struggle because interview prep focuses on hard skills while overlooking essential workplace soft skills.

What problems users face

Many feel shy asking friends for mock interviews and struggle to simulate real interview environments, especially with fewer opportunities than before.

Mock interviews primarily focus on coding, leaving candidates without structured, AI-driven feedback on communication and delivery, leading to neglected soft skills preparation.

As a result, 80% underperform in live interviews.

What I did for MockAI

As the Founding Product Designer / Product Lead at MockAI, I led product strategy for V1.0 and V2.0 in 2024, establishing the platform's foundational features.

I spearheaded foundational research, exploratory design, and cross-functional collaboration with two designers and two engineers. Now, I'm driving the design for MockAI V3.0 in 2025.

What we aim

In a team of three designers, I led the design for MockAI Version 3.0, set for release in 2025.

The new features will include AI-powered practice for behavioral questions, presentation feedback, and a gamified dashboard that helps users track their learning progress and build momentum toward their goals.

Sneak Peek: MockAI Version 3.0 Concept Design for 2025

Gamified time management

The MockAI Version 3.0 concept design focus on designing a dashboard experience that effectively tracks learners' progress and daily tasks. It incorporates gamification, rewarding users with badges as they consistently return and continue learning.

Auto-generate cheat sheets

AI gathers the learner's information via job description, resume, and conversation, and automatically generates a tailored cheatsheet to help practice for the Behavioral Question round interview.

Immersive coding practice with detailed reports

Practice coding as if you're in a real interview, with the ability to ask questions. AI estimates the learner's score and hiring potential, tracking detailed feedback from each practice session.

Get in touch

elainezhou1996@gmail.com  •  571-435-2347