Blog Post Title One
The Stages of the Design Cycle
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The Stages of the Design Cycle ---
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Even though the world of today is bursting at the seams with different kinds of design, it seems like people unfamiliar with the field remain generally unaware as to the – often complicated – process that goes into creating an effective product. I’m willing to admit that I could be wrong, but based on personal experience, we designers know that there’s a lot more involved behind pleasing a client than meets the eye.
Have I asked myself, from time-to-time, if all of the effort and energy put into the process is really worth the result? Sure! Is it obvious that most people don’t understand the complexities of design nearly as much as I’d like them to? Absolutely! Only after working with the companies and organizations that I have, has it become obvious that it’s not the attention given to the designs produced that matters. Instead, what counts is the impact and the huge effect that my creations have on audiences of all kinds.
To all the designers that haven’t yet been exposed to the harsh words or brutal feedback of clients, I’m here to provide you with a wise warning. You will, at one time or another, be forced to work with those that don’t look into the effort you’ve taken to help them. Regardless of your labors, they will act as if designing is simple and easy. In working through my design process with a client, I often subtly explain the various “stages” of the process. Below is the best version of that “client education” that I’ve come up with.
Stage 1 – Design Brief 2 - 4 Hours
Here, it’s the responsibility of the designer to connect with their client and recognize the desired audience of the creation. The latter has to describe the product they envision, and needs to detail the specific qualities of the design they hope to receive. In this early stage, the designer must quickly go through an education of their own in order to fully understand the client’s wants and wishes, while also gaining an understanding of the company’s history or any other important details.
Stage 2 – Design Proposal 2 - 3 Hours
The second phase in the process of design creation again encompasses the agreement between client and creative. Even though it might not be the most straightforward process, the cost, project deadlines, and terms need to be settled. Before finalizing the agreement, the designer must consider the overall complexities of the project at hand to provide themselves with a realistic work estimate. Only with this pre-work completed, can they present their assessment to the client. Additionally, there may be negotiations that go into this stage.
Stage 3 – Initial Presentation 8 - 10 Hours
With stages 1 and 2 completed, the designer must brainstorm design ideas to produce the first versions of the product. To arrive at an initial draft, the designer must research, sketch ideas, translate the sketches into a presentable digital format, and make multiple revisions before completion. Starting from scratch to concept makes this step one of the longest in the process.
Stage 4 – Additional Research 2 - 3 Hours
In this stage, the additional research the designer undertakes allows them to ensure they completely understand the client’s target market. With an initial design completed, the designer must be sure they have the correct perspective, and that they can align to the group’s design vision. This will also allow them to
Stage 5 – Final Edits 4 - 5 Hours
Having completed step 4, the designer is now able to alter their creation based on the feedback their client has given them. This stage, which is one that is relatively straightforward, comes to a close when final research is conducted and concluding design changes are made.
Stage 6 – Final Approval 6 - 8 Hours
After working through multiple designs myself, I can confidently share my opinion on this stage as being the most rewarding of all. Although there will definitely be additional design adjustments, being able to share the final design with the client is gratifying. It is at this stage that final approval is given and the project comes to a close.
As is clear from the outline above, there is a great deal that goes into design creation from inception to completion. When faced with a new project and new client, I often take the time to explain these general stages to them as we work through the process as a team. I have found this makes for a positive work engagement, and I hope you can find some useful tactics here as well.