Google’s engineers are encouraged to be creative and innovative, with a focus on user experience. This ethos is reflected in a working environment that includes beach volleyball courts, free food, and other perks. Google’s philosophy is that engineers should be able to design and build their own tools, and that they should have a say in the design process. This approach has led to the creation of products such as Google Maps and Gmail.
The company’s focus on innovation extends to its hiring practices, with Google looking for people who are intellectually curious and willing to take risks. The company’s interview process is known for its difficulty, with questions designed to test problem-solving abilities and creativity. Google’s engineers are also given a lot of autonomy, with 20% of their time dedicated to working on projects of their own choosing. This has led to the creation of products such as Google News and AdSense.
Despite its success, Google has faced criticism for its lack of diversity. The company is working to address this issue, with initiatives aimed at increasing the number of women and people from underrepresented groups in its workforce. Google’s approach to engineering and design is seen as a model for other companies in the tech industry.
Go to source article: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/05/why-google-engineers-designers