5 Ways To Improve Design Research
In the design industry, you have to deal with several clients, companies, and organisations with versatile ideas, beliefs, work ethics, etc. You will work with people who are just starting in the industry and even the ones who have been in the industry longer than you are. However, perfection is not the goal in this industry – creativity is. Focus on the creativity of your work and your client’s expectations. Even if you are new and know close to nothing about design research, don’t worry! We have got your back! Check these five ways you can improvise your design research process and strengthen relationships with your clients. Best Graphic Design Software for Beginners
Adapt
When you’re new, you want to stick to the schedule. Do everything right and fuss over the tiniest delays in work. However, when dealing with clients, there’s going to be all kinds of ups and downs. Sometimes you have to reschedule due to some other urgent work that needs your attention, or you get a call ten minutes before the meeting that the client is unavailable. Anything can happen. You should be quick to adapt to the situation. Avoid having a hard-and-fast rigid plan so you can deal with the situation rather than freaking about the change.
Strengthen
Nobody likes to be treated like a mere project. Don’t look at your client as a project that needs to get done and be over with. Of course, they have a project for you, but they are not one. When you first meet a client, your goal should be to get to know them, understand their perspectives and build a good relationship with them. Make them comfortable and at ease. Showing an interest in their life can make your client feel a sense of comfort in your presence which will make any further interaction easier.
Involve
As a designer, you may have a lot of perspectives and thoughts on a design idea. When the client asks you about your methodology of dealing with their project, do not be dismissive about it. Explain to your client your way of thinking and design approach about the task, so the client is well involved in the process. If you avoid the client or seem disinterested in sharing your ideas with them, it’s disrespectful and would harm your relationship with the client. Take up their suggestions and viewpoints about your idea for the product and make the changes accordingly. Prototype Design
Bridge the gap
People are more likely to be responsive about your ideas, thoughts, and content when it’s of their interest. When you get to know the client, you become aware of their fields of interest. When you present them with a similar type of content, they will tend to be more interactive and responsive about it. People are inevitably influenced by culture, career, passion, likes, dislikes, surroundings in some or other way. So it’s best to know your client and put the best foot forward. It might not always give you breathtaking results, but it will surely help you bridge the gap between you and your client.
Briefing
Take notes now and then. Take them often and take them diligently. Having your work cut out for you is the best thing possible, but if you fail to organise your schedule around it, everything does down the hill. Jot down pointers after every client meeting, note down the suggestions, the kudos, everything. When you have accurate data with you, you are all set to go and work on the changes. Also, at the next meeting, you are familiar with the headers and can be well-prepared beforehand.
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