Problems with Client Design Expectations
13 Apr
Posted by kalen_jordan as Communication, Design, Video
This is in reponse to a question from Dina. She is having problems with her client, going back and forth on the designs she has given them for the website. He is saying they are not flashy enough, but is not being clear about what he wants.
My guess in this case is that you may have jumped into implementation a little too quickly, without a thorough discovery up front. You should be sure to have some design comparables from him, so that you can have an example of what he means when he says “flashy” - because two different people could mean two totally different things by that.
The important thing is to stop where you are and get a clear discovery done. Make sure to get storyboards for the animation and decide on a technology to use - ajax vs. flash. The challenging thing is that the client just wants it to get done but you have to force them to clarify their needs. It’s the only way the project will get done right.
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One Response
Zan Lete
April 16th, 2008 at 7:39 am
1Hi!
First of all its my firs comment here on programmersmind.com and this article is just something that forced me do the comment and share somethign from my past experiences in web designing / developing scene.
I agree with Kalen that before puting yourself into developing you should clear out few things with your client. Make sure you understand client idea of the product you will produce. After getting the essence and scoope of your project ( colors, references, what client like, what client need ) you should make sketch (5min - 10min work ) of your feature masterpiece - Yes i know..its ugly but it holds the essence of the project … the red line that client like. Put your idea and vision into that sketch and make it cleat and logical.
After reviewing sketch with your client, make sure you explain in detail everthing you sketched and STATE OUT that your sketch is not final product! ( some clients are weird - you never know ;)). If client like your raw idea, ask him about features and things he like to have or like to have attached in final product ( website for instance ). Make a list of features into that shetch you made and wait for final approval.
After your sketch is approved, ask your client to do his own sketch/layout or ask for reference links to sites or images he like.
Clients are filled with competition and things they saw over the internet and they wish to be better or more effective than others are - thats why they decide redesign to have new web page… Most of them dont know how to express their needs. And how would we know what they like? WE CANT! ..thats why we ask!
After we got our raw sketch approved we sit back and make sure we set up nice music, get juice or beer, open new box of candies and enjoy our new project work.
I am not sure if i am able or allow to link inside comment. But if i am .. let me know and i will show you and explain the example of client sketch/layout i’ve asked and first draft i’ve produced.
In 9years of my work i never found more effective or more faster tactic than layout/sketch is
… and I do hope i help someone with my idea of work.
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