How do you align your design goals and strategies with your client's business objectives and expectations?

1 Understand the brief

The first step to align your design goals and strategies with your client's business objectives and expectations is to understand the brief. The brief is the document that outlines the scope, purpose, budget, timeline, and deliverables of the project. It also defines the target audience, the brand identity, and the desired outcomes of the project. The brief is your guide to what your client wants and needs from you, so make sure you read it carefully, ask questions, and clarify any ambiguities before you start designing.

2 Research and analyze

The second step to align your design goals and strategies with your client's business objectives and expectations is to research and analyze the market, the competitors, and the users of the space. You need to know who you are designing for, what they need, what they like, and what they expect from the space. You also need to know what the current trends, best practices, and standards are in the industry, and how your design can stand out from the crowd. Research and analysis will help you define your design problem, your design goals, and your design strategy.

3 Communicate and collaborate

The third step to align your design goals and strategies with your client's business objectives and expectations is to communicate and collaborate with your client throughout the design process. You need to keep your client updated on your progress, your challenges, and your solutions. You also need to solicit feedback, suggestions, and approval from your client at key stages of the project. Communication and collaboration will help you build trust, rapport, and understanding with your client, and ensure that your design meets their expectations and requirements.

4 Prototype and test

The fourth step to align your design goals and strategies with your client's business objectives and expectations is to prototype and test your design before you implement it. Prototyping and testing will help you validate your design assumptions, identify any flaws or gaps, and measure the performance and impact of your design. You can use different methods and tools to prototype and test your design, such as sketches, mockups, models, simulations, surveys, interviews, or observations. Prototyping and testing will help you refine your design and ensure that it meets the user's needs and the client's goals.

5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step to align your design goals and strategies with your client's business objectives and expectations is to evaluate and improve your design after you implement it. Evaluation and improvement will help you measure the success and effectiveness of your design, and identify any areas for improvement or enhancement. You can use different metrics and indicators to evaluate your design, such as user satisfaction, user behavior, user feedback, return on investment, or environmental impact. Evaluation and improvement will help you learn from your experience and improve your skills and knowledge as a commercial designer.

6 Document and showcase

The sixth step to align your design goals and strategies with your client's business objectives and expectations is to document and showcase your design after you complete it. Documentation and showcase will help you demonstrate your value and expertise as a commercial designer, and showcase your portfolio and achievements to potential clients and employers. You can use different formats and platforms to document and showcase your design, such as reports, case studies, presentations, videos, or websites. Documentation and showcase will help you market yourself and your services as a commercial designer, and attract more opportunities and projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?