To provide the most comprehensive solutions to our clients’ graphic design problems, we employ a multi-step process in order to clearly define the nature of the problems, the client’s target audiences and the ultimate goals of any design solutions we create. Our process varies slightly from project to project, but here are the basic steps we take when initiating your design project.
1. Initial Client Meeting
During the initial client meeting, be it either by phone, face to face or online, we get to know our potential clients. We find out about their businesses, their customers, the problems their businesses are facing and the services that they desire. We get as much information as possible in this step so as to be fully informed during the rest design project.
2. Project Proposal
After the initial meeting, we put together a written proposal. In this proposal we highlight the requested services, provide feedback as to our recommendations, clearly define the goals of the project and estimate a price and a timeline for its completion. Once the project proposal is agreed to, we send over a contract to be signed that reiterates everything in the proposal, collect a deposit that retains our services, and then we get to work crafting a solution to your design communication needs.
3. Discovery and Research
Before one click of the the mouse goes towards solving our clients’ problems, we do research. We research their past web or print projects. We research their competition. We make sure that the target audience information is complete. In short, we make sure have all the information on hand in order to effectively create a custom design solution for our clients that not only effectively represent their companies, but also speaks clearly to their target audiences.
4. Development
During the development stage, we start putting together ideas for your communication solution. Again, this step varies depending upon whether we are contracted for print or web design. Either way, the goal is the same, to build the foundation of our designs. This can be anything from rough layouts for print to wireframe layouts and prototypes for web and interactive. Once we have some ideas put together, they are sent off to the client for review.
5. Refinement
Refining the solution starts with client feedback. We are always checking in with our clients to make sure our solutions are compatible with the image and message that their company is trying to communicate. Once we receive feedback from our client, we then make revisions and start fleshing out our designs. We make corrections and bring the design up to a presentation state. It is then sent off once again for the client to review.
6. Production
With any final revisions in hand, we begin the production phase of the project. This is where print design and web design differ greatly. For print design, we finalize the layouts and get the job ready for final approval. Once approved it is sent to a service bureau for printing. For a web design project, we start putting the creative and architecture designs together with client supplied content to build a functioning site. During this time we also test and debug the site to the client’s specifications. When the site is finished, the client gets one more review before delivery.
7. Project Completion and Delivery
With a final approval in hand, your design project is delivered. For print, it could be sending it off to a mailing service or shipping it directly to your office. For web, it can be an upload to your servers or delivery on disk.