Imagine a case where you send an application for the development of corporate identity, a logo or a corporate website – and from the first version you get exactly what you wanted. A fairy tale? Quite a real story. But only if the customer has provided all the data in the brief for a designer.
Why do we need information about you, your company, services and products?
Many people think filling out a brief is burning precious hours. However, it is a functional document that allows you to determine what the final result will be. This is what guides the design studio. Please note: among other things, it is a reference point that defines the vision. Thus, if you fully respond to the questions posed, then in addition yourself once again reconsider your target audience, a unique proposal, the structure of the activity. All of these are elements of your success, which are eventually embodied in the graphic design.
Briefing – a simple tool for communication between customer and designer
An artist, illustrator or web designer who works on a particular type of task is easy to operate with terms and concepts, understands trends, and can visually “package” any idea. On the other hand, even when a business owner has an approximate idea of what he wants to get, even if he is an expert in his field, he does not always understand the needs of his customer. In this case, the brief comes in handy. It is an interpreter that helps to clarify real needs and find exactly what will make you stand out among your competitors, increase sales, help you earn partners’ love, and create a popular, recognizable brand.
Who should answer the questions?
Whoever knows the company or product best. A brief for a designer is a chance to figure out, to understand an idea that requires visualization. This attitude to cooperation becomes mutually beneficial, guarantees harmony of relations within the project. Practice shows: if we do not have the information – you will definitely need repeated revisions and rework. This is a waste of time and nerves. And also – an unnecessary waste of money you paid for the work on packaging or illustration.
So remember: what is not in the brief – it is difficult for the designer to take into account.
Brief for the site and what it gives?
Before we start working on the site, we offer our clients to fill out a brief. This is a kind of detailed questionnaire, the answers to the questions will allow our specialists to go more quickly into the heart of the matter. The brief is necessary for both us and the client, as it allows us to significantly reduce the time for preliminary consultations. It is important that the brief will be used in one form or another by all specialists working on the project. Marketers will use it to formulate the main advantages of the product, determine the target audience, copywriters will learn specific facts about the company, designers will find out the customer’s preferences regarding style, etc. The brief is important primarily for the customer, as it allows him to come to an understanding with the performer faster. Of course, after filling out the questionnaire there will still be questions and some details will have to be clarified. But in general, it will become clear where to go and what exactly the client needs.
Why you need it:
1
General wishes and objectives
To find out the general wishes of the client about the site, its specifics, the goals that the customer sets for the project in general.
3
Advantages and detachment from competitors
To identify the competitive advantages and disadvantages of the customer's product. This knowledge will allow copywriters and designers to present the product at its best.
2
Competitor analysis
To determine the field of activity of the client, to learn about his competitors, the peculiarities of work.
4
To determine the project budget
Based on the results of the completed brief we will be able to provide the customer with a concrete commercial proposal with an indication of the timing and cost of the site.
