Thread

Hi all, hey I had an idea for a blog post, but am kind of stuck.
The idea for the post came from the EE Pro network survey, the bit under perception where you ask the client how the site should look.

Perception
1. Use a few adjectives to describe how the user should perceive the new site.
(Examples include prestigious, friendly, corporate, fun, forward thinking, innovative, and cutting edge.)

Leslie informs me that the question came from the book resources site at Web Redesign 2.0

Right, right OK… so in the discovery meeting with the client panel everyone agrees they want their site to look _ _ _ _ _ fill-in the blanks…
Does a one word theme like that speak volumes to any designer out there, or have you seen any good articles?
I’ve got a few ideas but wondered if anyone’s seen an article similar in topic? Just found an Andy Rutledge article on discovery meetings anyways, have to agree you don’t want the client thinking they are the designer, that’s trouble.

Meanwhile I just happened on this page of “Client Quote Doozies” there’s some good ones in there.

Weekend yeah!!!

Asking for client input is always a slippery slope, especially if there are multiple ‘decision makers’. That said, you always have to do it - it is their site after all.  One thing I’ve found invaluable is to send them on a ‘field trip’ - spend time on the web finding sites they like and dislike, and have them spell out exactly what it is that is triggering that response.  This is valid for both graphic design and functionality.

In the end you are the designer - they’re going to tell you some general likes and dislikes, and it is up to you to produce something they love. Hopefully they’ve done their homework and like your work - if that’s the case then you’ve got a much better chance of having a happy client in the end.

One thing I’ve found invaluable is to send them on a ‘field trip’ - spend time on the web finding sites they like and dislike,

I just got my first serious inquiry and potential client yesterday. In my first email back I asked nine questions to discover exactly what it was they wanted and one of them was to give me links to sites that they liked and did not like.

It’s good to know I was on track with other designers.

thanks for the comments.
I guess the initial question of defining the sites perception, is working for me so far.
Keeping the “decision makers” in line by reminding them they wanted the new site design to be overall fun, friendly, etc.. those comments can be used to defend a design later on if the decision makers become split on a Photoshop comp proposal, and explaining how the design meets those overall goals.

I’ve worked before where I just go off on my way to creating the brilliant design in my eyes, not knowing they didn’t want it to be fun, or blue, or whatever. Keeping the client involved but out of the designer’s role is the challenge, getting just enough input to be able to run with it and have a happy client and a fresh design.

Good luck w/ your potential first clent linquist.

I second the “field trip” method. Also, showing them a number of related sites and not tipping them to which ones you like/dislike is a good way to get a gauge.

I’ve found it’s often easier finding out more about what they don’t like – it’s easier to define.

—I’ve found it’s often easier finding out more about what they don’t like – it’s easier to define.

That’s a great point about discovering dislikes, sometimes that will be the competition, usually it’s their business competitor, they will dislike or shouldn’t closely resemble the design at all.
Ever had this happen, team rivalry…
Just a scenario, but try getting an Ohio State fan to like a blue and gold design during football season, if there is any in-house rivalry amongst your Ohio or Michigan clients, that nonsense can make things difficult to get to serious design considerations.
It probably happens elsewhere, sidetracks a project it really does.

I’m sort of changing the focus of the blog post from the question above (1st post) of name your flavor, how should the design look if you were to name the theme in one or two words, to designing around client expectations.
The client will have expectations whether you discuss them or not, seems to be the theme for the comments so far. Thanks!

Hi all, hey I had an idea for a blog post, but am kind of stuck.
The idea for the post came from the EE Pro network survey, the bit under perception where you ask the client how the site should look.

Perception
1. Use a few adjectives to describe how the user should perceive the new site.
(Examples include prestigious, friendly, corporate, fun, forward thinking, innovative, and cutting edge.)

Leslie informs me that the question came from the book resources site at Web Redesign 2.0 ...

The Pro/Client survey misses the opportunity to establish what all the client’s business collateral consists of, granted the form is for a redesign.
For an initial client design exploration meeting, it will be handy to determine if there is an established _logo, _stationary, _business cards,  _signage, _brochures, _advertising campaigns/art other company logos or brand items.
Does anybody have a check list of items they use to decide what business or brand collateral already exists, or that also may need redesigned along with a new or redesigned website? Did I miss anything

Without a logo or knowing what the client expects it’s usually hard to get rolling on a design. Another sticking point is defining the competition possibly also.

I second the “field trip” method. Also, showing them a number of related sites and not tipping them to which ones you like/dislike is a good way to get a gauge.

I’ve found it’s often easier finding out more about what they don’t like – it’s easier to define.

And I third it.  It’s one of the most informative methods because you can see what the client is looking for (or not looking for as the case may be) in a tangible way.  Most of our clients are from creative industries so the RFP docs are usually filled with very subjective and creatively charged words.  The way I interpret a certain thing might not be what they want.  So, it’s helpful to see their interpretation of minimalistic vs. bare.