Questions 3 Flashcards
What is the most complex web application you have worked on? Why was it complex? What was your contribution?
It’s a tie between my beer tasting site (dansbeerlist.com) and a learning management system that EmpowerdU used (Instructure Canvas).
Dansbeerlist.com was complex because I had to harvest a significant amount of data and then present the data on the web and iOS. I was the full stack developer on this personal project.
Instructure Canvas was complex because it was a very large open source project. I wrote and updated the APIs of this web app for EmpowerdU’s iOS apps.
What is the most complex data visualization project you have worked on? Why was it complex? What was your contribution?
The poll feature for EmpoweredU was a very complex data visualization project. It was complex because it required different interfaces for students and teachers and required real-time updates. I led the design team for this project.
Can you give me an example of a recent product that you came across that you thought was particularly well designed?
The Nike running app (it “molds” to my needs). Monument Valley (the subtle and beautiful navigation matches its peaceful mood). Robinhood (the on-boarding experience is amazing).
What does your design process typically look like?
business goals, to information architecture, to content development and wireframing, through to testing, iteration and the many levels there-after
How do you decide if a design is good enough?
When the stakeholders and users are happy.
For the last few years, how has your time been divided between the following things: Interaction design, Graphic design, Information architecture, Design evangelization, Managing/mentoring other designers, Usability testing, Prototyping user interfaces, Coding User Interfaces
Interaction design- significant Graphic design- significant Information architecture- medium Design evangelization- significant Managing/mentoring other designers- minimal Usability testing- medium Prototyping user interfaces- significant Coding User Interfaces- significant
Now that flat design is over it’s peak, what do you think it will be replaced by?
Visually I think the flat look will be here to stay but I do see 3D touch and machine learning taking over the user experience.
How would you describe your style?
Clean, elegant and simple.
Can you tell me about a project you are particularly proud of? Why?
I am proud of the EmpoweredU’s iPhone app. It was a very large project that required us to redesign every interface in the app. I led the project and worked closely with engineering to come up with a great user experience. Apple’s UI evangelists really liked it!
If you had to present designs to a development team, how would you structure your presentation? How would you structure things if you had to present to an executive team instead?
For the development team I would narrow my focus on the interface, user flow and corner cases. I would also prepare to defend my designs in a more technical way.
For the executive team I would broaden my focus to the full user experience. I would also focus more on how I am fulfilling the business requirements.
What is your ideal mode of cooperation with developers? How do you negotiate with them?
I like speaking with developers face-to-face and working problems out on the whiteboard with them. I negotiate with them by speaking logically and in technical terms.
If you had to give a recommendation to design professionals for an online resource or a book to read, what would it be?
“Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug. It should be on every designer’s desk.
Is there a particular design professional that you admire? Why?
Meng To. He brings his beautiful designs to life with great prototypes.
