Q&A on New Project Briefs
Yesterday I received an email from someone asking if I’d be willing to answer a few questions about my experience working with new clients— specifically their new project briefs. Apparently they’re seeking this info as part of their research for a new app they’re creating called Briefix. Sounds interesting.
I’m always happy to share my thoughts about stuff like this. With their permission, I’ve copied their questions and my answers below:
How important is for you the brief you get from your client when you’re asked to design something?
Very important. First, I can’t quote a project without knowing the full scope and requirements. Second, the only path to a successfully completed project is with thorough planning up front, starting with a detailed brief.
Are you fully satisfied with the briefs received from your clients?
Most of the time? No. Most of those first-contact emails give me little to no detail at all. They usually say something like “how much is a website?” or “we’d like to redesign our site using WordPress”. But some clients, particularly others within the web design industry, or larger-budget clients with more experience working with web designers/agencies do provide a detailed brief.
Do you help your client to create his brief? If yes, how do you do it?
Almost always, yes. I will almost always need to get on the phone or Skype with the prospective client and ask them a series of questions to help me learn about their business, goals, requirements, propose some ideas, discuss, etc. After this type of call or meeting, I should have enough to put together a proposal. The questions I ask are different depending on the type of project it is, what information I already have (from their first email, existing website, etc.).
It’s also a good idea to discuss the scope/brief in person— even if they provided a great brief. 2 reasons: 1) Since I’m competing for their business, I want to get to know them a little bit and show that I’m a great communicator. 2) I want to get a feel for how “serious” they are, what their budget and timeline is, etc.
How hard is for your clients to create a brief even if they receive some helping questions?
Many clients don’t know what they want. In these cases, that first conversation is more about me educating them, in layman’s terms, on what I would recommend for their particular situation. Then we discuss those ideas and I’ll get their feedback.
Are you satisfied with the solution you use right now in order to get complete briefs from your clients (meaning a brief that is really helpful for you when you start working at your client’s project)?
The best solution that I know of is to talk with the client about their project. I won’t accept a new project without first having some kind of verbal meeting, meaning, I won’t do business with you if we’ve only emailed. We must get on the phone or Skype to hash out the details, and answer eachother’s questions.
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