Diagram board

In this article, we’ll explore the following topics:

Overview of the Diagram board
Advantages of using the Diagram board in interviews
Diagram board toolbar
Use prebuilt components for diagrams

Overview of the Diagram board

HackerEarth provides you with a Diagram board in the interview. The Diagram board can be used to ask diagram questions, text questions, flowchart-based questions, and other diagram-related questions. You can create different elements and customize their appearance, such as stroke, background, stroke width, stroke style, and much more.

Advantages of using the Diagram board in interviews

Using the Diagram board in an interview offers multiple advantages to both the interviewers and the candidates.

Mirror real job challenges

In roles such as Engineering, QA, or System Architecture, teams utilize diagrams to plan, explain, and solve problems. For instance, they might draw how a system works, how data flows, or where tests are needed. Using a diagram board in interviews lets candidates show their thinking just like they would in real team meetings. It gives a more accurate view of how they work and communicate.

Improved communication and understanding in interviews

Sometimes, candidates struggle to articulate their ideas clearly, and interviewers may misunderstand what they mean. Using diagrams helps both sides communicate better by showing the candidate’s thinking in a clear, visual way. It also helps break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, making it easier for interviewers to understand candidate solutions.

Test candidates in multiple ways

Interviewers can provide candidates with partial diagrams or system drawings and ask them to complete or improve them. This tests the candidate’s ability to analyze existing systems, think critically, and extend solutions logically. For freshers or entry-level candidates, flowcharts of simple processes can demonstrate their ability to understand steps and organize information effectively.

Skill indicator across all roles

Candidates in Front-end Development and Product Design can use diagrams to sketch wireframes or mockups. For senior technical roles, diagram boards are an excellent way to evaluate system design skills. In non-technical roles like Project Management, Marketing, or Business Analysis, diagrams help candidates explain workflows, plans, and strategies clearly. This makes it easier for interviewers to see how they organize ideas, solve problems, and communicate.

The Diagram board is a valuable tool for any industry where assessing a candidate’s thinking, analytical, or problem-solving skills is important.

Diagram board toolbar

There is a toolbar at the top of the diagram board that contains various tools to help you.

S.No.	Description
1	Keeps the selected tool active for repeated use. Once you select a tool (for example, Rectangle), it remains active even after you've used it, allowing you to draw multiple shapes without reselecting the tool each time.
2	Move around the canvas without selecting items.
3	Select, move, or resize objects.
4	Draw rectangular shapes.
5	Draw diamond shapes.
6	Draw circle shapes.
7	Draw arrows to show direction or flow.
8	Draw straight lines.
9	A freehand drawing tool like a pen.
10	Add text to the canvas.
11	Remove drawn elements or shapes.
12	A collection of extra tools.

You can create various diagram-based questions to assess the candidate's concepts of Flowchart, UML diagrams, and other development cycle-related questions. A candidate can also draw diagrams when asked to design architecture or a similar question.

Use prebuilt components for diagrams

To draw diagrams on the diagram board, perform the following steps:

On the left side, click ☰
Click Find on canvas

3. On the right side, a sidebar will open. Click on the library icon.

4. You can choose various components from the Personal or Excalidraw library.

You can effectively use a diagram board to assess the flow approach and presence of mind of a candidate during the interview.