Have you ever encountered accessibility or compatibility issues in a technical project? How did you address them?

Technical Project Manager Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have encountered accessibility and compatibility issues in a technical project. In one of my previous projects, we were developing a mobile application that needed to be accessible for users with disabilities. We discovered that the app was not compatible with certain screen readers and assistive technologies, making it difficult for these users to navigate and interact with the app. To address this, we conducted extensive research on accessibility guidelines and made the necessary adjustments to the app's design and functionality. We also worked closely with a team of accessibility experts to ensure that the app met the required accessibility standards. By implementing these changes, we were able to improve the app's compatibility with assistive technologies and provide a better user experience for all users.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have encountered accessibility and compatibility issues in a technical project. In one of my previous projects, I was leading the development of a web application that needed to be compatible with multiple browsers and screen sizes. During testing, we identified that the application had layout and functionality issues on certain browsers, particularly older versions of Internet Explorer. To address this, I worked closely with the development team to identify the specific compatibility issues and applied CSS fixes and JavaScript enhancements to ensure consistent rendering and functionality across all target browsers. Additionally, we conducted responsive design testing on different devices and used media queries and fluid layouts to ensure optimal user experience on various screen sizes. By resolving these accessibility and compatibility issues, we were able to deliver a fully functional and user-friendly web application to our clients.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed description of encountering accessibility and compatibility issues in a technical project. It includes specific examples of the issues faced and the candidate's role in addressing them. The answer also demonstrates the candidate's technical expertise in web development, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. However, it could be further improved by providing more specific information about the project and the tools or techniques used to address the issues.

An exceptional answer

Yes, I have encountered accessibility and compatibility issues in a technical project. In a recent project, we were developing a mobile application for a client in the healthcare industry. It was crucial for the app to be accessible to users with disabilities and compatible with various mobile devices and operating systems. During the early stages of development, we conducted thorough research on accessibility guidelines, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to ensure compliance. We also performed extensive compatibility testing on different mobile devices, using a combination of manual testing and automated tools like BrowserStack and Appium. Through this testing process, we uncovered specific issues such as inconsistent screen reader support and layout inconsistencies on certain devices. To address these issues, we collaborated closely with the client's accessibility team and implemented changes in the app's codebase, including proper semantic markup for screen readers and responsive design improvements. We also conducted user testing with individuals with disabilities to gather feedback and make further enhancements. By proactively addressing these accessibility and compatibility issues, we were able to deliver a highly accessible and user-friendly mobile app that met the client's requirements and exceeded their expectations.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed account of encountering accessibility and compatibility issues in a technical project. It includes specific examples, such as the use of WCAG guidelines and automated testing tools, and highlights the candidate's collaboration with other teams and stakeholders. The answer showcases the candidate's in-depth knowledge of accessibility best practices, their ability to proactively address issues, and their commitment to user-centric design. It also demonstrates their strong problem-solving and communication skills. The answer could be further improved by quantifying the impact of the accessibility and compatibility improvements, such as increased user satisfaction or positive feedback from users with disabilities.

How to prepare for this question

1. Familiarize yourself with accessibility guidelines such as WCAG to understand the requirements for developing accessible software.
2. Stay updated on the latest technologies, devices, and browsers to anticipate compatibility issues and proactively address them.
3. Practice using automated testing tools like BrowserStack or Appium to identify compatibility issues across different platforms.
4. Collaborate with accessibility experts or teams within your organization to gain further insights and guidance on addressing accessibility issues.
5. Highlight any previous experience or projects where you successfully addressed accessibility and compatibility issues during interviews.

What interviewers are evaluating

Strong technical background with an ability to address accessibility and compatibility issues