Clear and effective communication is essential for any designer, as it allows them to effectively convey an abstract vision to clients, stakeholders, and team members.
According to Lexicon, more than 80% of American workers believe that regular communication with employees is critical to building trust with them.
A great communicator in a design interview will be able to articulate their design concepts and ideas in a way that is easy for others to understand, and they will be able to communicate the reasoning behind their design decisions. Here are the traits for a great communicator to have during an interview.
The Ability to Pinpoint
A great communicator is able to explain the reasoning behind their design decisions in a clear and concise manner.
They are able to articulate the problem they are trying to solve, the constraints they are working within, and the trade-offs they have considered. Great communicators provide examples in their responses and give evidence to add credibility.
Making the Team Effort
A great communicator is able to work well with others and is able to effectively collaborate with team members to achieve a common goal. They are able to give and receive constructive feedback and are able to work through any conflicts that may arise.
This may sound like a simple skill, but lacking clear communication between teams is one of the biggest challenges design teams face.
A great communicator is also able to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical team members. They are able to explain technical concepts in simple terms, and are able to understand and incorporate feedback from non-technical team members
Not Just a One-Way Road
Active listening is also an important trait for a great communicator in a design interview. This means being fully present and engaged in the conversation and being able to respond thoughtfully and effectively to questions.
A great communicator in a design interview will also be able to ask relevant and insightful questions to gain a deeper understanding of the project and the needs of the client or stakeholders.
What else makes a great communicator special? They are able to understand the perspectives of others and are able to incorporate the feedback into their work.
Being Able to Take the Stage
Strong presentation skills are also important for a great communicator in a design interview. A designer should be able to effectively present their designs and ideas in a clear and engaging way, and be able to defend their design decisions in a persuasive and logical manner. The designer should be able to present the design in a variety of mediums like sketches, renders, models, and virtual tours.
They are able to tailor their message to the level of technical expertise of their audience, and are able to adjust their tone and delivery to suit the context of the conversation.
Overall, a great communicator in design interview should possess the ability to convey their ideas clearly, listen actively, adapt their communication style to suit the audience and the situation, and present design ideas visually.
For more information on how to spot a great communicator in a design interview, please contact us here.
