[IxDA Discuss] Excellent Portfolios for IxDs (also:doemployerscare about portfolios?)

[Phillip Hunter]

Mark,

I see your point, but I've met too many who can talk but not do.  Plus, I
find that an appropriate portfolio shows maturity, care and preparation.
The ensuing conversation tells me if they had anything to do with it and
what.  Just like an earlier thread discussed, there's a fair bit of false
claims in my field as well.

Our views could also be a symptom of the difference between our variations
of the IxD field.  There are many designers (to use the lump term) in my
area who trot out on a resume all the projects they've been involved in.
But if they can't show me examples, to be followed up with a good
conversation about the hows and whys, then I'm wasting my time.

Let me emphasize that I tailor that to where the candidate falls on the
spectrum, which is what I mean by appropriate above.  A (soon-to-be)
graduate should show and explain to me student projects and intern work.  A
10-year veteran should show and discuss revenue-boosting projects for
multiple clients and client segments and should be able to explain design
success AND failures and the reasons for them.

I absolutely agree that the ability to communicate design philosophy well is
essential.  I just like to have a context for the specific application of
that philosophy.

ph

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Schraad [mailto:mschraad at mac.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2007 5:47 PM
To: phillip at speechcycle.com
Cc: 'IxDA Discuss'
Subject: Re: [IxDA Discuss] Excellent Portfolios for IxDs
(also:doemployerscare about portfolios?)

Not at all trying to be flippant here Phillip, but I am reluctant to  
look at a portfolio if I have not first had a compelling  
conversation. The ability to communicate and think about design is so  
much more important than showing me pretty work that you may or may  
not have had anything to do with.

Mark