Design Advice - Have a Process

Most people have no clue how we go about doing our jobs. A typical view of designers is that we are impetuous, esoteric creatures; we go off behind closed doors and play with the magical substance of creativity, and emerge hours later with a completed design. The reality of what we do is much more boring; we use a well defined series of steps to complete the project.

How do we bridge the gap between what we do and how others perceive what we do? We must explain that there is a rhyme to our reason. That we have a well thought out process that enables us to complete our projects to the best of our ability in the most cost effective manner.

The best way to do this is by being upfront with clients about your design process. It helps if your process is logical, easy to follow and sane.

My Process
I use an 8 step process that takes me from the original inquiry to the completion of the web design project. The process is detailed below.

1. Gathering Information
A. Information should be gathered on the client's business.
B. Review client's marketing plan.
C. A competitive analysis should be done.
D. Conduct a visual audit of client and competitor materials.
E. Analyze the client's customers' motivations for purchasing.

2. Estimate
A. Project Summary

B. Timeline
C. Price
D. Go over Terms and Conditions

3. Creative Brief
The creative brief is the Sherpa that guides us to the creation of a great website. The creative brief contains:
A. Brief overview of the project
B. The current situation and why the project is needed
C. The target audience
D. The most important message to convey
E. Project Objectives
F. Customer Benefits
G. Creative Considerations
H. The scope of the website and its features

4. Brainstorm
A. Think about it before hand.
B. Set aside 2-4 hours with no distractions.
C. Consider everything that fills the creative and positioning requirements.
D. Try several approaches even if you love your first one.

5. Design Home Page
A. Design home page while staying within the time allotted by the job estimate.
B. Cooling-off period, look at it with new objectivity.
C. Must pass creative review before submitting to client.
D. Present to client home page while explaining how it meets the objectives of the project.

6. Design Rest of Site

A. Design the rest of the site while staying within the time allotted by the job estimate.
B. Cooling-off period, look at it with new objectivity.
C. Must pass creative review before submitting to client.
D. Present to client total site design while explaining how it meets the objectives of the project.

7. Coding
A. Code the site while staying within the time allotted by the job estimate.
B. Test site to make sure everything works in all browsers
C. Have the website tested for usability.

8. Delivery
A. Deliver completed website to client for final approval.
B. Make it live after approval.

C. Maintain website through CMS or hand coding.