Design Process
Following a well-developed design process ensures each design’s success. During this process, communication is vital to learn what the customer’s design needs are, determine the goals for the project and make sure everyone’s on the same page. The process isn’t complete until the customer is happy with their final design solution. Follow along with Della’s Design Process from beginning to end to see how successful designs are produced.
Happy clients = Happy Della
Fuel
Let’s be honest… many of us need something to give us a little edge. Maybe it’s a morning workout session, quiet reflection time, or something else. For me, it’s coffee. I don’t start any project unless I’ve had some fuel, aka caffeine. Coffee provides just the right boost to jump start creativity and focus on the project ahead. Besides, coffee is a healthy and delicious cup of awesomeness.
Mmmmm….
Communication
Communication is vital to the design’s success. When meeting with a client, I ask questions that help hone in on the best solution to meet the client’s objectives. While listening intently to the client’s goals, I also jot down notes that can be referred back to during the design’s development, so that the goals are clearly in mind. Regular communication is also maintained during the entire design process.
Proposal
Each client receives a proposal of the design solution’s scope. The proposal includes an estimate of the time required to complete the project, the cost of the solution, and possible additional costs for optional resources, such as photo stock or premium web plugins. There are no hidden or unexpected fees. After the client accepts the proposal, the next step of the process begins.
Research
Research is an important step to make sure the design meets the goals of the client. To create effective design solutions, I seek to find answers to questions that will help to narrow down the design’s objectives. Such questions include: “Who are my client’s competition? What aesthetic best suits the design? What designs has the client already used that worked or didn’t work?”
Development
Here’s where fun really starts. Building the design involves determining the best design elements for each project: colors, layouts, typography, photos, etc. Each element plays a role in the project’s success. For some design projects, such as logos, more than one sample is sent to the client for them to choose from. For website designs, clients are asked to view the progress at multiple intervals.
Approval
Once the design solution is complete, the client will be asked to verify that their objectives were met and to verify that the details of the design are correct, such as textual information. If any corrections are needed, they are applied and the design is proofed once more. Once the client gives their final approval, the design solution is published in whichever format is required.
Not sure if a professional design solution would benefit your business?
View samples of my work for some amazing companies that have benefited from a custom designed solution.