Tuesday 24 November 2009

The Second Year So Far..

This semester has been started at quite a pace, but I have felt generally more comfortable with the workload and pace of learning, as I feel more confident that I can apply my newly acquired knowledge and skills towards the new assignments. I am also more confident in online forums such as the WP CODEX Forum in order to find answers to specific tasks such as how to use Wordpress functions. I used the WP CODEX Forum for the A11 word up in order to learn more about the WP list items function.

I am pleased with my overall work on the A9 Up Your Street assignment. I wanted to create a humorous and mock-sinister theme for the subject as I had the idea to use the iconic Godfather movie poster as a basis for the website.

I struggled, however, with the java script element as I wanted film strip effect for the gallery using a 'scroller' along with a 'lightbox' feature. With a bit of help from
Two more technically-minded students I managed to get it working. The current A10 assignment is good fun and also helpful in pushing us to explore and practice our creative-thinking skills.

I am confident with drawing skills so I am trying to look at different subjects and also use a mixture of techniques and media in order to create artwork and patterns.
I have found that last year's sketch work has helped me to develop my drawing and artistic skills. This assignment doesn't suit everyone on the course, especially those that regard themselves more as 'coders', but I am in my element.

I'm looking forward to another week or so of generating ideas before developing a selected work into digital artwork for packaging design.

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Web Design Interview Questions

What experience do you have which is relevant to this post?

This would be a good opening question, to allow the interviewer to get a sense of the interviewee’s experience. While the CV should show past posts and qualifications, asking the interviewee to highlight relevant experience will also show how a person can cope with being put on the spot. An interviewee who has prepared in advance should be able to answer this easily and well. A weak answer will illustrate a lack of basic preparation.


Of the portfolio pieces you have shown us, which are you most proud of and why?

This question also allows for an overview of past work, but this time in terms of specific work that has been done. Like the first question, it will also show if there has been preparation. But in addition, it gives a chance to see not only what an interviewee is capable of doing, but also whether they are able to talk about their work. I would follow it up by asking the interviewee to explain the technical basis of one of the pieces in the portfolio. This will go some ways towards showing whether the interviewee is able to communicate with potential clients.


Here is a sample script of PHP. What do you think it might be used for?

This question will show the technical knowledge of the interviewee. It could also show whether the interviewee is able to think laterally to think of a use for a website.


What is the value of teamwork, if any? Describe a situation which you have been involved which required teamwork.

This question moves the interview to more general job requirements. It’s important to not only ask what the interviewee thinks about teamwork, but to ask them to give an example because it’s very easy for people to give the expected ‘right’ answer to a question like this. Asking them to give a real example shows whether or not they actually believe what they say.


Here’s a brief for a logo. Please take ten minutes to sketch a design and prepare to tell us what technical tools you would use to design it.

This question could show the applicant’s ability in a realistic situation. It will challenge the interviewee in terms of both the more creative, graphic side of the job and the technical side. In addition, it will reveal whether the interviewee is able to talk about their work to a potential client (an important requirement in the job description). Lastly, it will show what a person is able to do under pressure.


Here is an example of a working brief. Can you comment on the design and say what you like about it, as well as any improvements you might make.

This question could show the interviewee’s level of knowledge design considerations such as PARC principles and use of grids in layout. It could allow them to show both what they know when they describe the brief, and their ability to solve problems or be creative in suggesting changes or improvements.