Our team has done something similar to this for quite a while and I think it's been valuable. About ten minutes to read a page of high-level specifications regarding a general proposed system design, then the rest of the hour at a whiteboard (or remote equivalent) with a couple of other team members to sketch out and discuss what the implementation might look like.
It's not quite an "asshole test" or a Kobayashi Maru or anything like that – but a general "can you communicate and collaborate effectively with others on a technical topic" test. I guess it does highlight "asshole" personalities sometimes, but I'd say rather than offering a negative signal it tends to more effectively highlight good candidates.
It's not quite an "asshole test" or a Kobayashi Maru or anything like that – but a general "can you communicate and collaborate effectively with others on a technical topic" test. I guess it does highlight "asshole" personalities sometimes, but I'd say rather than offering a negative signal it tends to more effectively highlight good candidates.