Last updated on Jul 25, 2024

Here's how you can assess designers' creativity and innovation using various methods.

As a design enthusiast, you're likely always on the lookout for ways to gauge the creativity and innovation of designers. Whether you're hiring for a project, managing a design team, or simply want to keep your finger on the pulse of design trends, understanding how to assess these qualities is crucial. Design, as a field, thrives on fresh ideas and unique approaches, making the evaluation of creativity and innovation a key component of performance evaluation in the creative industry.

1 Portfolio Review

A portfolio is the visual resume of a designer, showcasing their best work. When assessing creativity and innovation through a portfolio, focus on the diversity of projects, the problem-solving approaches, and the uniqueness of design solutions. Look for evidence of original thinking and the ability to push boundaries within different mediums and styles. The portfolio should tell a story of growth and exploration, indicating a designer's willingness to experiment and evolve.

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Sarah Ikerd

Founder & Creative Director • Studio Shangri-La / OCTAVES • Music, Arts & Sciences, Design, Tech
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What I would look for is perspectives that are intriguing, inspiring or refreshing, or that I learn something from, that expand my viewpoint. Otherwise, of course, personal taste and the specificity of the project come into play.

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Milin Shah

Director at SAROM FAB PRIVATE LIMITED
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> Evaluate a designer's ability to brainstorm a wide range of ideas. > Use techniques like portfolio review, design challenges, or brainstorming sessions to assess fluency, flexibility, and originality. > Analyze how designers refine ideas. > Look for strong research skills, user empathy, and the ability to translate creative concepts into feasible solutions. > Consider portfolio reviews and project presentations to assess their refinement process. > Assess their approach to challenges. > Look for critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to identify user needs and translate them into innovative design solutions. > Consider case studies or mock design problems to evaluate their thought process.

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2 Design Challenges

Design challenges can serve as a practical tool for evaluating a designer's creative process. By presenting a hypothetical problem or a brief that requires a unique solution, you can observe how a designer thinks on their feet. Note their approach to brainstorming, their ability to think outside the box, and the originality of their final concept. This method provides insight into their innovation capabilities under time constraints and project parameters.

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Maria Nakayama

Presentation Operator at Evercore
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I always prefer design challenges as a test for a designer, as opposed to their portfolio. A portfolio can have taken a few days of researching other people's design work online, copying a large part of it, and a few more days of designing of every single detail. It doesn't show ability to use the design software fast and to come up with original ideas fast, which is what is required in this industry. A design challenge allows me to see how good they are at dealing with ambiguous instructions, whether they guess or they ask questions. It's not about just guessing the intent of the client right. If they ask questions, and then understand after those questions are answered, that is even better, as doing design often involves communication.

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3 Peer Feedback

Peer feedback is an invaluable resource for assessing a designer's creativity and innovation. Encourage colleagues and other designers to provide constructive criticism on the designer's work. This feedback can reveal how a designer's work is perceived within the design community, offering perspectives on their creative strengths and areas for improvement. Pay attention to comments on the designer's ability to inspire others and contribute original ideas to collaborative projects.

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4 Client Testimonials

Client testimonials offer a unique perspective on a designer's creativity and innovation, particularly in a professional context. Clients can provide feedback on how effectively the designer's solutions met their needs and whether their approach brought new insights to the project. Look for testimonials that speak to the designer's ability to surprise and delight clients with unexpected and effective design solutions.

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5 Continuous Learning

A designer's commitment to continuous learning is a strong indicator of their dedication to creativity and innovation. Explore their involvement in workshops, courses, or design conferences. A designer who actively seeks new knowledge and skills is likely to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to their work. This ongoing education shows an eagerness to stay ahead of trends and to incorporate new techniques into their design practice.

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6 Thought Leadership

Thought leadership is the embodiment of a designer's expertise and influence in the field. Assessing a designer's contributions to blogs, design publications, or speaking engagements can reveal their level of creativity and innovation. A designer who is recognized as a thought leader is often one who introduces new concepts and inspires change within the design community, highlighting their creative vision and innovative mindset.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can assess designers' creativity and innovation using various methods.

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1 Portfolio Review

2 Design Challenges

3 Peer Feedback

4 Client Testimonials

5 Continuous Learning

6 Thought Leadership

7 Here’s what else to consider

Design

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Here's how you can assess designers' creativity and innovation using various methods.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Portfolio Review

2 Design Challenges

3 Peer Feedback

4 Client Testimonials

5 Continuous Learning

6 Thought Leadership

7 Here’s what else to consider

Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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