How to get great results from the designer you work with
For the design process to move fast and get great results, we need clear communication. So let me show you a simple framing and a few questions that will help you do that.
Imagine that you can get awesome results in a record time from the designer you work with.
Unfortunately, more often than not, design projects turn into an endless back and forth that leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth.
People just give their personal opinion
And opinions like these are not helpful:
- I like it a lot! Let’s change it …
- I didn’t know you are the designer
- Make it slicker
- I’m not sure what it is but this is not it
But there is a more effective way to do this.
Here’s how.
Verbalize what you’ve seen
This will direct attention to whatever triggered you in the first place.
Avoid being general.
Example: What I’ve seen is a lot of text fields.
Describe the feeling that provokes in you.
Making a clear distinction that the feelings are directed towards the work and not other people avoid making you feel like it’s a personal attack.
Example: This makes me anxious.
Point out the positive
Example: What’s working for me is the colour scheme and the typography.
Point out what needs work
Example: What’s not working for me is the number of fields and the long field labels.
Invite collaboration
Leave room for creative problem solving before jumping to solutions. A moment of awkward silence is fine.
Example: What are the ways we can fix this?
Ask questions relative to the objectives of the project
Avoid providing personal opinions and solutions. Try to stay grounded in the user needs, project goals, and requirements.
- Does this solve your users’ needs?
- Does this effectively address [project goal(s)]?
- Does this meet all functional requirements?
- Does this effectively reflect the brand?
- Why is [design request] important?
Now you know how to talk to creative people and get what you want faster.
Go design some awesome products with your design friends.