7 Questions To Ask Before Selecting Your Final Design

Whether it be a logo, a product design, or a website layout, you want to be sure it is exactly what you are wanting. Sometimes, you see the sketches, or the digital representation and something isn't right. BUT WHAT IS IT?? Well, I'm here to provide 7 key questions to ask yourself to be able to provide feedback for your designer. These questions will help the process, and make it easier to get to the end goal for everyone.

1. What is my mission?

What are the goals of my company, the end game for this product, or even the values that are held in high regard to the company or you, the individual? Understanding what your company stands for can help the design come together. Make sure the designer knows these things too, so they can be thinking about that while designing.

2. Who are we competing against?

Is your company or business competing against top dollar competitors? What about your product/design is going to be different than theirs? What is your product/design going to provide that they aren't? Knowing what makes you stand out can help the designer create something that reflects that.

3. What do you dislike about your current/previous branding/product?

Was it too complex? Did is not standout enough against competitors? Was it too bland? Was it too loud? Having these things that you or customers didn't like can help the designer envision what needs to be changed, and definitely things to avoid. It's not a bad thing to know your flaws, because the sooner they are addressed, the sooner they can be fixed.

4. What is the age group you want to target?

Everyone always wants to target EVERYONE, but in reality, that just isn't going to happen. So depending on the company and the product, you will need to focus on a set age group. This can be done by doing a focus group review, or even a marketing review with the company. Knowing who you are selling too is so important, because if you can't answer that then your product/design won't make much movement in the market. Designers can help create something to target a specific audience, as long as they know who that audience is.

5. What is something you have to have in the design/product?

This is a big one. Knowing what absolutely must be in there is crucial. If you want absolutely want a specific font, but don't let the designer know, both of you will be frustrated later on. If you want a specific aesthetic, provide examples of things that are currently made/designed with the aesthetic you want. Designer's aren't mind readers, so make sure you communicate these things.

6. How much are you willing to spend on this project?

Money makes the world go ROUND. Having a set clear goal of how much you, or your company, are willing to spend is a big, big, BIG topic that needs to be communicated up front. Some designers charger higher, and some lower. Some charge for excess changes, some have set changes that can be made before charging extra. This needs to be discussed right away before any work is done.

7. What is your timeline for this project?

This is crucial. Some projects can be worked out overtime, and no strict deadline is required. Others, specific dates and times are important and need to be stated right away. Giving the designer deadlines for sketches, first digital concepts, final concepts, and a standard booklet (if required for the project) is critical. Make sure a schedule of deadlines is drawn up for both parties and everyone is aware of what is expected.

There are tons of questions both parties need to consider when selecting a final design. It's important to not be afraid of asking those questions, whether you're the artist or the client. No one needs to get upset for asking questions because it is crucial to the design process, and to creating a finished product/design the client is satisfied with. So ask your questions, come with examples, and set those boundaries and deadlines early on. It will make the who process go so much easier.

Sincerely,

Just Your Average Graphic Designer in totally Digital World

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