The Design Process: What to Expect

Whenever you hire someone to design something for you, there are usually phases that the design must go through to ensure you get the intended results. Here's a look into the phases of the design process that I use. Of course, every project is different and may not go exactly as illustrated here, but this will give you an idea of what to expect.



Phase 1: Wear Your Briefs!
This is by far, the most critical step in the entire design process. Screw this up and the project is, well...screwed...(pardon the language.) The design brief can be a form that the client or designer generates. It details the nuts and bolts of what the project is about, the goals and business strategy of the company and more.  If the project is complex, a meeting can be scheduled between the project director and designer to discuss project goals in detail. At this stage, dates are set as to when each design phase should be completed. This will be your timeline for completion. The designer may also require a deposit of the initial quote before execution of the project.

Phase 2: Concept Development
The designer will begin research/concept development for the project. All supporting text and images should be gathered and generated at this time. The designer will submit requests for quotes from professional printers and/or other vendors to determine the best format(s) that will fit your budget.

Phase 3: Deliverables
Delivery of the first round of concepts. If concepts are not satisfactory or if circumstances change, repeat phases 1 and 2. It is at this stage that the project director and designer should determine if the concepts delivered are in sync with the project design brief. Choose 1-3 concepts for further development. At this phase, we should have a good idea of how the text will fit in the layout. Make suggestions for text edits and revisions.

Phase 4: Concept Approval
Deliver developed concepts for approval. Choose one concept to move forward on. Decide on a printer/vendor.

Phase 5: Proofread....as if your life depended on it...
Another critical step. Get this one wrong and you could potientially wastes hundreds, even thousands of dollars on wasted print materials because of one typo or mistake. Both the designer and client should throughly proofread and review final design and make any necessary changes. Note: Any changes that involve developing new concepts the client generally will incur an additional charge at the current rates.

Phase 6: Are we there yet?
The design process does not have to be long and arduous.  Yet, sometimes when everyone is working so hard to get the project done anticipation is high. At this stage, you will send the final approved design to printer. Note: The final approved design should be thoroughly proofread. Only the person specified in the project brief can approve a project for print. Approval can be given verbally or written.

Phase 7: The Grand Finale
Review proof from printer. A project should never be printed without first seeing a proof. Many times, major mistakes or color issues are not caught until the proofing stage. The project director will be required to “sign-off” on the proof. Note: The printer may have a form of their own that the designer may also sign-off on, but only after the project director has said so. Congratulations! Your beautiful, finished printed piece will be delivered to your destination.