Start with a clear, concise brief
We often use architectural metaphors and building references when creating digital products, the parallels are obvious and very relevant. One I’m guilty of always using is “we need to create a strong foundation before building the rest of the house” this is very true, but first we need to understand what we are building 🏠!
A clear brief is the backbone of a successful project. Be very specific about your objectives, deliverables and most importantly user needs. We don’t need to drill down on the exact business detail at this stage, think broad strokes and the big picture.
We typically kick-off a project with a discovery meeting, this is a good opportunity for both parties to ask lots of questions, adding more meat to the original brief.
A good Designer will always ask questions, aiming to get a deep understanding of you, your product and the business you are shaping around it. Check out our article Call out all UI/UX Designers to learn more about our thinking around this.
Trust us, you’re in safe hands 😇
It’s your baby, we get that, it needs love and care to grow — but don’t worry, we have done this before and know the best approach to help that baby grow into something awesome.
If you chose to work with an experienced team you will be in safe hands. They will ask the right questions but also listen, understanding your pain points and providing guidance on the best solution. Pushing pixels is only a small part of what a good Designer does, being a problem solver is the biggest part.
Chemistry is an important part of this mix as well, spend the time to get to know your team, build a solid relationship, one based on mutual trust.
Great communication 🦜
Nothing can trump great communication in helping get a project successfully over the finish line. Likewise, nothing delays a project more than delayed responses, lack of answers to questions, the list goes on…
Whilst it is important to not muddy the waters with too much un-related chatter, we would much rather talk as often as needed. Face to face is, of course, best, but hey, we have Google Meet if this is not possible.
“When the trust account is high, communication is easy, instant, and effective.” ― Stephen R. Covey
This one, of course, relates back to the earlier “chemistry” point. Building a product is a long journey, so make sure you get on with the team you are working with 😊!
Looking back at projects that could have run smoother, they usually fell down because of poor communication. Share and talk often, this is the secret sauce for a successful relationship.
Give constructive feedback
We love constructive feedback. Some clients will give very specific feedback, almost a point by point list of things to change. Others are much broader with their feedback, asking questions rather than necessarily giving the answer, in our experience, we prefer the latter.
Neither is right or wrong, but reframing the problem, rather than the solution is a better way of tackling it, this allows the Designer to have a much broader range of ways to approach the problem, not limiting them to one specific solution (remember, we are problem solvers).
Avoid micro-management
Needless to say, this is every Designers pet hate. If you follow the tips above, micro-management should be completely unnecessary.
I can remember times when I’ve seen clients sat next to a Designer, asking them to move picture boxes, text and logos until they were happy with what they saw. Like anyone, we need space to think, create, understand feedback and action on it accordingly. Whilst communication is king, please trust that we know what we are doing and understand the deadline is looming.
Hit that deadline ⏰
This brings us nicely to deadlines. A deadline is a deadline, we will do everything possible to ensure we always deliver on time. All we ask in return is that you do the same 😎 .
