[IxDA Discuss] What sets the 'best' interaction designers apart?

[Robert Hoekman, Jr.]

> In your experience, what qualities set the 'best' (defined as you like)
> interaction designers apart?

The best interaction designers have an innate drive to do a better job
than anyone else of making the design invisible. As in, the more the
resulting designs "just work", the better the designer.

> In hiring, what design exercises have you found effective in identifying the
> 'best' interaction designers?

This is a different question entirely, because you can only find "the
best" within the pool of candidates that applies for the particular
job you have open. In this case, you can't strive to get "the best"
designer, only to get someone who fits in the best with your
establishment.

Have the interviewee review an existing design that you believe to be
fairly solid. Measure his//her points against your own. Whoever
matches the most wins. Also have him/her do a quick wireframe, off the
top of his/her head, and have the team do a review of it atfer the
interview. Best design wins.

Beyond this, of course, you have to consider synergy. "The best"
designer may very well be one you *don't* want on your team.

-r-