How to Hire a Great Web Designer

The post shares Garry Tan’s view that design can be a key differentiator for web startups, so a design leader should be in place early and given influence over schedules, deadlines, and product strategy. It also warns that non-technical or non-designer managers should not judge designers without help from someone who understands the work.

Reading notes

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• Design can be a central differentiator for web startups.
• The company should have a design leader as early as possible.
• This leader needs to participate in decisions about schedule, deadlines, and product strategy.
• Whoever is neither technical nor a designer may have difficulty evaluating designers.
• To evaluate talent and performance, the text recommends asking a trusted friend or colleague to examine the result.
• The evaluation should consider qualitative measures such as aesthetics and fit with the brand.
• When whoever interacts with the designer does not understand design trends or the context of the internet, this can harm the company’s brand and reputation.