Resisting the Client's Poor Design
Creative design tools like Apple's iLife, Adobe's Creative Suite, and even the latest version of Microsoft Office have brought desktop publishing to the masses. However, many professional designers encounter too much of a good thing when clients bring their own, poorly designed mockups to project meetings. Use these three techniques to coach your client away from design flaws without bursting their bubble.
First, seek to understand. As Stephen Covey suggests, seeking to understand before trying to be understood can help you get inside the head of your client. There might be a reason your client loves beveled oval marble shaped with drop shadows that look ten years out of date. Derek Powazek's advice of asking “why” instead of “no” can turn a potential confrontation into an opportunity to make your design project better.
Second, focus on the deliverables. While some designers criticize usability gurus like Jakob Nielsen of being too minimalistic, numbers don't lie. If you can help the client measure the success of design in some tangible way, like conversion metrics or user satisfaction surveys, you can let the numbers do the talking. Even a businessperson with a big ego will choose a design that sells over something they drew in Windows Paint.
Finally, make changes in small chunks. Project tracking tools, like an online client hub or a network folder, can communicate incremental changes that feel more comfortable to a client than a radical reworking. When a client can see their initial design evolve into something remarkable, they feel closer to the project. That kind of transparency builds goodwill and leads to repeat projects.
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| American InterContinental University Online |
[Online] |
The Visual Communication online degree program is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design. Emphasis is placed on the development of the thinking process and the ability to conceive creative solutions for specified design problems. Students will learn the principles, practical applications and methodologies used in completing competent and creative graphic solutions.
Programs:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications
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| The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division |
[Online] |
Develop your creative potential through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division where we give you the freedom to decide when and where to attend class. Because you're always on the go, we offer education to go wherever you connect to the Internet. While we meet the demands of your busy lifestyle, our online degree and diploma programs go even further by embracing the standards of excellence long held by The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and The Art Institutes system of schools backed by an over 85-year commitment to academic excellence. Learn from the leader in online creative arts education.
Programs:
Digital Design
Graphic Design
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