How can you assess a candidate's 3D modeling skills?

We normally asses a candidate's 3D modeling skills as follows: 1) Understand their 3D modeling tools: Assess proficiency in mainstream 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, etc. 2) Check their 3D modeling work: Candidates are asked to submit their 3D modeling work with details, proportion, quality, so their skills can be assessed. 3) Examine their design ideas and techniques: describe the ideas and techniques they use in the design process, such as the selection of materials, the use of lighting, the layout of the scene, etc., to understand their creativity and innovation capabilities. In addition, candidates are asked to work on a practical 3D modeling project to test their project management and communication skills.

While renders can showcase a candidate's ability in 3D modeling, it's equally important to review physical products they've produced, especially when the focus is on 3D printing. A physical product reveals how well the candidate understands the entire additive manufacturing process, from design to printability, and ultimately how the model translates into a tangible object with the desired look and feel.

Evaluating a candidate's software proficiency goes beyond just knowing the tools; it's about their approach to problem-solving within the software environment. It's unrealistic to expect someone to know every feature or function, but a skilled candidate should demonstrate resourcefulness in addressing unfamiliar challenges. Asking them how they'd resolve a particular issue or find a specific function they're unfamiliar with can reveal their ability to leverage external resources, like forums or tutorials, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to continuous learning.

Incorporating hands-on examples into the technical interview can provide invaluable insights into the candidate's practical skills and thought processes. By presenting the candidate with a physical object and asking them to explain their approach to recreating it in a 3D modeling software, you can gauge their observational skills, attention to detail, and understanding of geometry and spatial relations. This exercise not only tests their technical knowledge but also their creativity and adaptability, revealing how they tackle real-world challenges and whether they can think on their feet. It's essential to understand not just what they know, but how they apply that knowledge in practical scenarios.

It's crucial to respect a candidate's time when assigning a practical project, as overly time-consuming tasks can be burdensome and may not reflect well on the company's work culture. Limiting the project to a shorter timeframe, such as 4-8 hours, ensures that you can assess the candidate's skills effectively without imposing an unreasonable time commitment, benefiting both parties in the evaluation process.

3D modeling most often goes beyond the 3D structure you see on the screen. There are multiple ways to arrive at the correct ‘solution’ to a design challenge. There isn’t always a single right answer, but there can be creative, functionally sound and efficient solutions. Designing for easy revisions and updates is also a good skill to develop, and can save time and effort while making changes. For the candidate, it can be equally important to consider applications, and interaction/compatibility of a part with an assembly or manufacturing process.