Involve developers early in the process, not just at handoff. They often spot feasibility issues and suggest simpler implementations.
Look for: early engineering involvement in design exploration, clear specifications, interactive prototypes rather than static mockups, open communication channels, and willingness to adjust designs based on technical constraints. Best candidates treat developers as partners, not implementors.
Reveals how they view the designer-developer relationship. Red flag: treating handoff as a one-way delivery. Good sign: collaborative exploration and willingness to adapt designs.