Build a better design portfolio
I think one of the most critical aspects of the interview (whether in-person, on the phone, or represented abstractly via their web site) is how well the interviewee is able to communicate their involvement, responsibility, and accountability in the design I’m looking at. It really doesn’t do much for me to look only at the surface of a design…I want to know the process that was followed to produce it.
I strongly encourage the candidate or student think about adding a “case study” type of component for each design. A narrative, or the like, that explains position statement/problem statement, design approach, methods employed, team structure, their role and responsibility, key challenges and how they addressed them, and why *this* design solution is the final version.
I think many hiring managers (and prospective clients) would benefit greatly from a well-structured portfolio that can present not only the surface design, but also the thinking that goes in to producing it. And if designers start thinking about this in school….all the better.
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