3 mistakes to avoid when completing the design home assignment
Design tasks are a BIG challenge when applying for the designer role. Since each task is different, it’s important to follow basic principles to pass through this stage.
Having the design done so that it can go straight to development is not enough and is not the approach anyone encourages. Every design can be improved, but first, we need to follow the basic principles…
1. Misunderstanding the goals
❌ Problem: The candidate presents a solution to a different problem. As a hiring manager, I want to see a solution that helps the user solve the specific problem based on the requirements.
✅ Solution: Home assignments are sometimes complex or unclear, so asking questions before beginning can aid in clarifying the requirements and creating the necessary solution.
2. Not presenting the process clearly
❌ Problem: Candidates cannot always explain how their design can help solve the problem. As a hiring manager, I need to understand how the candidate thinks, and how their ideas and methods are used to solve the problem.
✅ Solution: Develop your explanation skills by clearly articulating your ideas, methods, and frameworks. Documenting every step from the research to the final UI design using a design or note-taking tool will help me to understand the process.
3. Sticking with one design solution
❌ Problem: It is important to make sure a candidate is always ready to adapt their design to the needs of the user, but some candidates stand their ground strongly and think that they have come up with the perfect solution.
✅ Solution: Taking feedback and asking questions helps me understand that the candidate is always eager to improve, and create readjustments if needed, without sticking with one solution.
Summary
Each home assignment is different.
Understanding the problem, communicating the design process, asking questions, and explaining the ideas behind your solution will help me as a hiring manager to evaluate your personal and professional skills from every perspective.
Good luck!