You need a website, product label, ebook, brochure, exhibition stand or poster and you know exactly how it’s going to look – but what your designer provides is not what you anticipated – what next?
There are a number of reasons that designers and clients don’t always get what they hoped or provide what they expected would get a great reaction – so how can we do our best to avoid this situation and how can we correct it, when it happens?
Whether it’s the choice of imagery, font use, logo positioning or just not at all what y9u had in mind, here are our tips to resolve it.
Key to all design projects is, you guessed it, communication.
This is a big part of the reason for our Brand Questionnaire – it helps to allow us to know exactly what you want from your design project and work towards meeting your expectations – it’s a basis for success.
Communicating your hopes and dreams for your impending design is important for both sides, which is why Thrive holds scoping and brainstorming meetings, as well as updates on your project at different stages of the design process.
Forget about the past
If you’ve negotiated a design with a designer previously, you might have had a negative experience, but either way you need to forget about it – it’s probably going to be different this time around, because we all work in different ways.
From day one, be clear about your goals and expectations – both sides want a happy ending and great product to boot.
Micro-managing is usually a no-no
Once the design process is under way you should give your designers chance to do what they need to do to get started. They should offer you ample opportunity to see the design and make suggestions for change, so don’t oversee the whole product or pull it to pieces immediately.
If you’re completely unhappy or concerned about the progress of your project, arrange a meeting and both sides can have their say and come to an agreement about going forward.
Give it a try even if you’re unsure!
Your designers are experienced, trained and knowledgeable about various design concepts and skills, which is why you should be willing to allow them to go down a “route” that you may not be 100% on. Imagine seeing a paint colour in the hardware shop which you detest, then seeing it in a full kitchen, with accessories and equipment to match – you may just love that colour you initially despised! Think about the bigger picture and allow your designers to try different concepts, before coming together and making an agreement on which elements and ideas you love and which you don’t.
Be inquisitive
Above all else, don’t detach yourself from the process, ask questions and learn about the process and how your designers made the decisions they did and why and how they think they will work for your project.
It can be a great learning process for both sides and could be the beginning of a lasting relationship!
To discuss the content of this blog or how we can support your business, get in touch with our team today via email hello@thriveability.co.uk or call 0845 838 7517.
