subject: Yin and Yang - Working with the Client; Working with the Designer [print this page] Yin and Yang - Working with the Client; Working with the Designer
Many issues can befall a web design project on its journey to completion which, we hope, is a successful one. These issues, good or bad, shape the web projects final outcome again one which we hope is successful.
One issue that threatens to de-rail the whole process though is how successful, or not, the designer and client are at being yin and yang.
As the specialist the designer is tasked with identifying and understanding the client's requirements before transforming this from an idea to reality this being a fully functional website.
The client may not hold the relevant technical skills or even a knowledge of the associated tech-speak' but this does not and should never demote their purpose to the project.
There should be a consistent flow of dialogue between client and designer with both players' accepting that the other holds the piece to the next part of the puzzle. Not only should each understand the other's role but so too should each understand their own.
Remember as the client you have an idea of what it is you want to achieve it is your job to translate this to the designer. As the designer your job is to guide the client on what can be achieved and when agreed go and do it.
Below are 5 tips for you to consider as the client in the project and 5 tips for you to consider as the designer my advice is read them all. That way you are already trying to understand each other's perspective.
5 Tips for the Client
1. Do your research!
Before contacting a designer view their own website and other websites they have worked on. It is difficult to assess it from a technical viewpoint without the necessary knowledge but ask yourself this: have they produced websites that appeal to you and your ideologies? Does the message on their website suggest they could produce websites that do meet your ideologies? If not can you really see yourself working well with them?
2. Don't be afraid to ask awkward questions
Not everyone is tech-savvyAccept this and don't be afraid to ask questions of designers at the risk of sounding clueless. The designer will no doubt have questions of their own in relation to understanding your business area - which you may consider to be no-brainers.
3. Be informative!
The designer is going to produce a website that represents your company so get involved and give them as much info as you can on what it is you want. Their job is to take that information and produce a product meeting your specification. Remember, as much as it makes more work for the designer you are there to find problems not solutions.
4. Be flexible!
Tip 3 said to be informative but also be aware that if you ask for the moon on a stick the designer will advise you that what you want is either impossible or could present difficulties somewhere else. So be prepared for this and try to be flexible on what you want in your mind and what is achievable in reality.
5. Communicate and Communicate
It is this simple the more open you are and the more you encourage dialogue with the designer the better it is to know what progress has been made and how the website is taking shape. This saves wasting time towards the end of the project when you find the website delivered is not what you wanted.
5 Tips for the Designer
1. Be open and transparent from the outset
From day one make the client aware of how the project will take shape being sure to inform them of the steps that will be undertaken to produce their website. Try to include the client as much as possible in the process so as to engage them in the progress of the project. Replace the word no' with open discussions to negotiate issues that may arise in the process.
2. Avoid tech-speak wherever possible
The surest way to kill dialogue is to bamboozle the client with terms they will never have heard of so make a real effort to avoid technical terms. Not everyone understands the inner workings of web pages so be aware of this fact and try to communicate with the client in terms they understand.
3. Identify clear requirements and expectations
As the designer you know what can be achieved and what cannot so be sure to clearly identify the requirements and clarify them with the client. Also be sure to advise the client whether or not their expectations are realistic and communicate this in terms they understand. This way both designer and client are aware of what they are working towards so this must be done in the earliest stages of the process.
4. Involve the client (the earlier the better)
Involving the client in the earliest discussions and design stages can prevent the surprise element that can occur when the whole site has been developed and delivered. Remember you're a team so work with the client and where necessary be informative regarding specific design changes.
5. Communicate and Communicate
This is not a cop-out because it is included for client and designer but communication is a two-way street so just as much as it is the client's responsibility so too is it the designers. A consistent flow of dialogue this is key.
