Tell me about a time when you received feedback from a design manager or director that you felt was unjustified or based purely on personal preference, and how did you navigate that situation?

Question Analysis

This question seeks to assess your ability to handle feedback, particularly when it may seem subjective or unjustified. It's designed to evaluate your communication skills, professionalism, and ability to navigate challenging situations constructively. The interviewer is interested in understanding how you maintain a positive relationship with supervisors and team members even when disagreements occur. They're looking for examples of your problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to accept and adapt to feedback.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a junior designer at XYZ Agency, I was responsible for creating a new branding concept for a high-profile client. After presenting my design to the team, I received feedback from the design director suggesting substantial changes, which I felt were based on personal preference rather than the client's brief.

Task: My goal was to address the feedback constructively while ensuring that the design still met the client's requirements and my own professional standards.

Action: I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the design director to discuss the feedback in detail. During the meeting, I asked open-ended questions to better understand the rationale behind the suggestions. I also took the opportunity to explain my design choices and how they aligned with the client's needs. By maintaining a respectful and open dialogue, I was able to identify some underlying concerns the director had about the design's potential impact.

Result: As a result of our discussion, we reached a compromise that incorporated some of the director’s feedback while preserving key elements of my original design. The final concept was well-received by the client, and the experience helped me to build a stronger working relationship with the director, demonstrating my ability to handle feedback professionally and effectively.