Ground decisions in requirements: "For an SEO-heavy content site I would choose Next.js with static generation. For an internal tool, Vite with React Router keeps things simpler."
Key decisions: framework (Next.js, Remix, Vite+React), state management, styling (CSS Modules, Tailwind, styled-components), data fetching (TanStack Query, SWR), form handling, testing setup, and build tooling. Strong candidates explain their reasoning based on project requirements (SSR needs, team size, performance requirements) rather than just listing trendy tools.
Tests senior-level decision-making. Candidates who always choose the same stack regardless of requirements lack flexibility. Those who can articulate trade-offs between options and tailor choices to the project show maturity.