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Icon is a computer programming language created in 1978 by Kim Polese and other researchers at Xerox PARC. It is a procedural language with object-oriented features. Icon was originally designed for use on the Xerox Alto personal computer, but it has since been ported to other platforms. Icon is known for its clean syntax and its emphasis on readability. It is also known for its extensive library of built-in functions, which make it well-suited for a wide variety of programming tasks. Sources: * [Wikipedia article on Icon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icon_(programming_language)) * [The Icon Programming Language website](https://www.iconprogramming.com/)

Ask the right questions secure the right Icon talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General Icon app knowledge and experience

The first 20 minutes of the interview should seek to understand the candidate's general background in Icon application development, including their experience with various programming languages, databases, and their approach to designing scalable and maintainable systems.

What are the basic principles of icon design?

The basic principles of icon design include simplicity, recognizability, consistency, and versatility. Icons should be simple and clear, easily recognizable, consistent in style and size, and versatile for use in different contexts.

How would you approach designing an icon for a new mobile app?

I would start by understanding the app, its purpose, and its target audience. Then, I would sketch out ideas, keeping in mind the principles of icon design. I would create a few different versions and test them to see which one works best.

What software do you typically use for icon design?

I typically use Adobe Illustrator for icon design because it allows for vector-based design, which is scalable and versatile. However, I am also proficient in other design software like Sketch and Figma.

Describe the difference between raster and vector graphics in icon design.

Raster graphics are made up of pixels and can lose quality when scaled up or down. Vector graphics, on the other hand, are made up of paths and can be scaled without losing quality. Vector graphics are typically preferred for icon design.

What are some common mistakes in icon design and how would you avoid them?

Common mistakes in icon design include making icons too complex, not considering the context in which they will be used, and not testing them with users. I would avoid these mistakes by adhering to the principles of icon design, considering the context, and conducting user testing.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate possess a strong understanding of icon development?

Has the candidate demonstrated an ability to work within brand guidelines?

Is the candidate able to explain their design process clearly?

Does the candidate show a strong portfolio of previous work?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Icon development questions

The next 20 minutes of the interview should focus on the candidate's expertise with specific backend frameworks, their understanding of RESTful APIs, and their experience in handling data storage and retrieval efficiently.

How would you ensure consistency in a set of icons?

I would ensure consistency in a set of icons by using a consistent style, color palette, and size. I would also use a grid to ensure alignment and proportionality.

What are the key considerations when designing an icon for a small screen?

Key considerations when designing an icon for a small screen include ensuring the icon is clear and recognizable at a small size, using simple shapes and minimal details, and testing the icon on the actual device.

How would you approach redesigning an existing set of icons?

I would start by evaluating the existing set of icons, identifying what works and what doesn't. Then, I would sketch out ideas for the new design, keeping in mind the principles of icon design and the need for consistency. I would create a few different versions and test them to see which one works best.

What are the differences between designing icons for iOS and Android?

iOS and Android have different design guidelines for icons. iOS icons are typically more detailed and have a specific shape, while Android icons are more simplified and can have any shape. The design process also differs in terms of the tools and software used.

How would you design an icon that needs to convey a complex concept?

I would break down the complex concept into its basic elements and try to represent those elements in a simple and clear way. I would also use metaphor and symbolism to convey the concept. Testing the icon with users would be crucial to ensure it is understood correctly.

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At this point, a skilled Icon engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in Icon programming language, and knowledge of software development methodologies. Red flags include lack of hands-on experience, inability to articulate complex concepts, or unfamiliarity with standard coding practices.

Digging deeper

Code questions

These will help you see the candidate's real-world development capabilities with Icon.

What does this simple Icon code do?
procedure main(); write('Hello, World!'); end
This code prints 'Hello, World!' to the standard output.
What does the following Icon syntax do?
procedure sum(a, b); return a + b; end
This code defines a procedure called 'sum' that takes two parameters, 'a' and 'b', and returns their sum.
What does this Icon code do with an array?
procedure main(); list := [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]; every write(!list); end
This code prints each element of the 'list' array to the standard output.
How does this Icon code handle concurrency?
procedure main(); every i := !list do thread write(i); end
This code creates a new thread for each element in the 'list' array and prints the element.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for Icon Developer role questions

The final few questions should evaluate the candidate's teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, assess their knowledge of microservices architecture, serverless computing, and how they handle Icon application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

What are the considerations when designing an icon for a global audience?

When designing an icon for a global audience, it's important to consider cultural differences and avoid symbols that may be misunderstood or offensive in different cultures. It's also important to ensure the icon is clear and recognizable to people of different ages and levels of tech-savviness.

How would you handle feedback and revisions in the icon design process?

I would welcome feedback and see it as an opportunity to improve the design. I would carefully consider the feedback, make revisions accordingly, and then test the revised design to see if it works better.

What are the challenges in designing adaptive icons for Android?

Designing adaptive icons for Android can be challenging because they need to work well in different shapes and sizes. The key is to create a design that is simple and versatile, and to test it in different contexts to ensure it works well.

Icon application related

Product Perfect's Icon development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your Icon engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in Icon projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.

Icon Consultive assessments

Icon Application Conversion Assessment Icon Application Integration Assessment Icon Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom Icon development projects

Custom Icon App Conversion Icon Custom App Development Process App UI Design for Icon Facelifts

Hiring guide for Icon Engineers

Icon Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the Icon engineer at this point.

Icon Consultive assessments

Custom Icon development projects