1. Define
This first stage of my design process is all about initiating the project and client-designer relationship.
Highlights of this stage include:
- Working with the client to build a creative brief. The creative brief serves as an overview of the project and defines the project scope, audience, and more. The creative brief is a collaboratively created working document.
- Conducting design research. Researching competitors, and the client's niche helps me as the designer identify visual trends, and compile inspiration.
- Brainstorming. Mood boarding and brainstorming are vital because it is where I begin to piece together the information gathered in the creative brief and the research conducted into potential concepts for the client. During this period patterns emerge and reveal interesting connections that I might be able to draw upon for inspiration.
2. Create
This second stage of my design process focuses on design iteration and creating.
Highlights of this stage include:
- Using digital tools or old-fashioned pen and paper, I'll sketch ideas, and share these early initial concepts with my clients for early feedback.
- With early feedback, I'll design samples using specialized creative tools like Adobe's creative suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, etc.).
- After delivering samples to the client and gathering their feedback, I'll begin working on refining the designs. I refine my designs by paying close attention to the client's notes, needs, wants and sentiments.
3. Present
This third stage of my design process centres on presenting the designs to the client.
Highlights of this stage include:
- Developing a presentation for the client that includes all requested designs, as well as mockups, so that the client can visualize their design through real-world examples and applications.
- Meeting with the client to present the design, talking through the process, explaining the design decisions I've made, and telling the story of the design. It is my aim that after I present a design clients will have all of the information they need from me to create their final feedback and provide final approval on the project.
- Gathering, organizing and applying client feedback in order to apply revisions and generate a final design.
4. Deliver
This final stage of my design process is all about securing client approval and delivering materials in every format required.
- Completing revisions and receiving final client approval.
- Packaging all required files, images, graphics, and any other materials and delivering these to the client.