What should a UX designer know about CSS (for a job interview?

What do I need to get a job as a UX/UI designer in NYC?

• I have been out of the UI and UX design loop for about 3 years due to a repetitive strain injury. I have yet to fully recover but I would like to dive back in. Problem is, I need to work on updating my old portfolio. Unfortunately my portfolio is kind of out dated given the growth we have experienced in the last 3 years in tech but the work for UI/UX designers seems to be relatively similar to what I did 3 years ago except mobile is now the dominant platform for most web based tech. Before my injury I hand scripted websites using CSS and HTML. For the CMS i would use Wordpress. In essence I was building website templates for Wordpress. My Process for clients and work went: Question client for user's needs > Wireframes > Wireframe review with Client >  Static Comps > Script CSS and HTML > Adjust wordpress code to fit client and user needs > Optimize > Deliver to client > Website walkthrough with cleint I would love to hear from UX/UI designers what the scope of work has become, how heavy is an average workload and what skills are valued etc. Thank You.

• Answer:

  You aren't too far off in your assessment of the last 3 years, however it goes beyond just mobile. For many sites and apps you have to be screen agnostic. Where a few years ago you could design and develop for 2 or 3 resolutions, now it has to be flexible and responsive to look good on all the possible screen sizes and resolutions. Study up and get familiar with some of the new frameworks such as Bootstrap, LESS, Foundation http://mashable.com/2013/04/26/css-boilerplates-frameworks/ As far as flow, the last few years have seen a strong improvement in the prototype portion of the process and better tools for client feedback too. People expect quicker iteration and better communication. Instead of going from static wireframes/comps> client review> scripting. Technology has allowed us a to start prototyping from an earlier stage with ease. Using something like UXPin or InVision, you can allow the client to interact with the design from an early stage to get a better idea as to how things will work, look, and feel. Also these tools allow for better on-going feedback along the way, so I would say having your client or team be a part of the process the whole time is more prevalent than the stage to stage method you described. https://medium.com/@extremelyn/2014-the-year-of-design-tools-3c449d771e62 There is more to mention on the development front. For front-end you have to be at least up to date and capable with a few Javascript frameworks as interaction and movement has gotten more and more important, JQuery a big one. CSS3 and HTML5 are necessary. Hope that's a good start.