Streamline Your Design Workflow (Ep. 5) | Foundations of Graphic Design | Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud
16 Apr 202403:54

TLDRIn this episode of 'Foundations of Graphic Design', the focus is on the next steps after the initial discovery and concept exploration phase of a project. The presenter advises showing clients a few low-fidelity designs to ensure the right direction, typically in the form of quick sketches. Once a direction is approved, the designer refines the concept and creates high-resolution designs, which may even be presented in a product mockup. The presenter suggests offering about three design options to clients, including two safer options and one more adventurous one. They also discuss the importance of naming conventions for project files to facilitate organization and retrieval. After several rounds of revisions, the final design is reached, and files are saved in agreed-upon formats. A style guide may be created for the client, and all project materials are uploaded to a cloud service for transfer. The episode concludes with a discussion on billing arrangements and the importance of managing finances throughout the project lifecycle.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 Show clients low-res or low fidelity designs initially to ensure the right direction is taken.
  • 📈 Once approved, refine concepts into high-res designs, close to the final look.
  • 🏢 Consider presenting designs in a product mockup for a more realistic view.
  • 🚫 Avoid offering too many design choices to prevent analysis paralysis and nitpicking.
  • 📝 Include the client in the design journey to avoid surprises and ensure they understand the direction.
  • 🔢 Present about three design options: two safer options and one more adventurous.
  • 🤔 Keep a backup concept ready in case the client doesn't approve the initial one.
  • 📂 Use clear naming conventions for project files with version numbers and/or dates.
  • 🗂 Organize project assets and folders for easy retrieval and reference.
  • 💾 Save final files in all agreed upon sizes, colors, and formats.
  • 📄 Create a style guide for the client to understand how elements should be applied.
  • ☁️ Use cloud services for easy transfer of files to the client.
  • 💼 Be aware of billing arrangements and manage project finances effectively.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of showing low-res or low fidelity designs to the client?

    -The purpose of showing low-res or low fidelity designs, which are like sketches, is to ensure that the project is moving in the right direction before investing time in high-resolution designs.

  • How many high-res designs are typically created after the client approves the direction?

    -Typically, two or three high-res designs are created after the client approves the direction. These designs are fleshed out and close to the final look.

  • Why might presenting too many design choices to the client be problematic?

    -Presenting too many design choices can lead to nitpicking and analysis paralysis, where the client focuses on individual parts they like or dislike rather than the overall design's purpose.

  • What is the accepted norm for the number of design options to present to a client?

    -The accepted norm for design options is about three: two on-target safer options and one more adventurous option.

  • What is another approach to presenting design options to a client?

    -Another approach is to present one main concept while keeping a second or third option at the ready in case the client does not go for the initial one.

  • Why is it important to have a clear direction before presenting designs to the client?

    -Having a clear direction before presenting designs ensures that the client's expectations are managed, and the designs presented won't come as a shock, as the client has been involved in the entire design journey.

  • What is the significance of naming conventions in managing project files?

    -Naming conventions, such as using version numbers and/or dates, help in organizing and identifying different versions of project files, making it easier to find and manage assets later on.

  • What is a style guide and why is it useful for a client?

    -A style guide is a document that lists the fonts used, colors, and other design elements. It is useful for a client as it provides a reference for how to apply design elements consistently when creating new materials or making changes in the future.

  • How does billing work in a design project, and what are the challenges associated with it?

    -Billing can be done in lump sums for the entire project or in stages. The challenge is ensuring that payments are received in a timely manner, especially when the project spans over several months.

  • What is the final step in the design process after completing revisions?

    -The final step is to save the files in all the agreed-upon sizes, colors, and formats, and possibly create a style guide. Then, gather everything and upload it to a cloud service for transfer to the client.

  • Why is it essential to involve the client throughout the design journey?

    -Involving the client throughout the design journey helps in aligning their expectations with the final output, reducing surprises, and ensuring that the final design meets their needs and approval.

  • What exercise is suggested at the end of the transcript for enhancing one's design skills?

    -The exercise suggested is to explore a few production tasks related to making and refining projects, which can help in practicing and improving one's design workflow.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Concept Presentation and Client Direction

This paragraph discusses the next steps after the discovery and concept exploration phase of a project. It emphasizes showing the client a few low-fidelity designs, akin to sketches, to ensure the project is on the right track. The focus is on presenting two to three high-resolution designs once the client approves the direction. It also touches on the common practice of offering three design options: two safer options and one more adventurous one. The importance of keeping the client involved throughout the design process to avoid surprises is highlighted. Additionally, it suggests having a backup concept ready in case the client does not approve the initial presentation.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Discovery

Discovery refers to the initial phase of a project where research and exploration of ideas take place. It is crucial for understanding the project's requirements and goals. In the context of the video, discovery involves concept exploration to lay a foundation for the design process.

💡Concept Exploration

Concept exploration is the process of generating and developing various ideas or concepts for a project. It is a critical step in the design workflow as it allows designers to experiment with different approaches before finalizing a direction. The video emphasizes the importance of presenting a few concepts to the client to ensure the project is moving in the right direction.

💡Low-Res Designs

Low-resolution designs, often compared to sketches, are simplified versions of a design used for initial client presentations. They are not fully detailed but serve to convey the general idea and direction of the design. The script mentions using low-res designs to ensure alignment with the client's vision before investing time in high-fidelity work.

💡High-Res Designs

High-resolution designs are detailed, close-to-final versions of a design that are typically presented to the client after the initial concept approval. These designs are fleshed out and may be shown in a product mockup to give the client a clear idea of the final product's appearance. In the video, high-res designs are used to finalize the client's choice and move towards the completion of the project.

💡Product Mockup

A product mockup is a visual representation of how a design, such as a logo, would appear when applied to a real-world item, like packaging or signage. It helps clients visualize the design's practical application. The video uses the example of a coffee company to illustrate how a logo might be shown on a product mockup.

💡Design Choices

Design choices refer to the different design options presented to a client for selection. The video discusses the strategy of offering a limited number of choices to avoid overwhelming the client and causing 'analysis paralysis.' It suggests presenting two safer options and one more adventurous one.

💡Revisions

Revisions are the modifications and adjustments made to a design based on client feedback. The video humorously mentions preparing for 'a ton of versions' and emphasizes the importance of naming conventions to manage and organize these iterations effectively.

💡Naming Conventions

Naming conventions are standardized ways of naming files and folders to maintain organization and ease of access. The video stresses the importance of using version numbers and dates in file names to keep track of revisions and locate assets efficiently.

💡Style Guide

A style guide is a document that outlines the visual and design standards for a project, including fonts, colors, and other branding elements. It is provided to the client to ensure consistent application of the design in future projects or modifications. The video suggests creating a style guide as part of the final deliverables.

💡Cloud Service

A cloud service refers to a remote data storage system accessible via the internet. In the context of the video, it is recommended to upload the final design files to a cloud service for easy transfer to the client, facilitating a smooth handoff.

💡Billing Arrangement

Billing arrangement pertains to the agreed-upon financial terms between the designer and the client regarding payment for the project. The video touches on the challenge of billing for large projects that span several months and the need to establish a mutually acceptable payment schedule.

Highlights

After concept exploration, show low-res designs to the client to ensure the right direction.

Present two or three high-res designs once the client approves the direction.

Consider showing high-res designs in a product mockup for context.

Avoid overwhelming clients with too many design choices.

Include the client in the design journey to prevent surprises.

The norm is to present about three design options to the client.

Offer one main concept with a couple of alternatives.

Expect revisions and be prepared to make numerous versions.

Develop naming conventions for better organization and tracking.

Use version numbers and dates to name project files.

Avoid frustration by organizing project assets and folders effectively.

Save final files in agreed sizes, colors, and formats.

Consider creating a style guide for the client's future use.

Upload final project files to a cloud service for client transfer.

Understand billing arrangements and manage finances accordingly.

Engage in exercises to practice production tasks for project refinement.