You have a design idea you need to communicate. How can you make sure it’s understood?

2 Choose your medium

The next step is to decide how you will communicate your design idea. Depending on your situation and goal, you may choose different mediums, such as sketches, prototypes, models, drawings, diagrams, slides, videos, or reports. Each medium has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to consider which one best suits your design idea and your audience. For example, sketches are quick and easy to make, but they may not show enough detail or realism. Prototypes are more realistic and interactive, but they may be costly and time-consuming to produce. Models are more detailed and accurate, but they may not capture the whole context or function of your design. Drawings, diagrams, slides, videos, and reports are more formal and comprehensive, but they may require more skills and tools to create. Whatever medium you choose, make sure it is clear, consistent, and attractive.

3 Use visual aids

One of the most effective ways to communicate your design idea is to use visual aids. Visual aids can help you illustrate your design concept, explain your design process, and demonstrate your design outcome. They can also help you attract attention, increase retention, and enhance understanding of your design idea. Visual aids can include images, icons, graphs, charts, tables, maps, symbols, or animations. To use visual aids effectively, you need to follow some principles. First, use visual aids that are relevant and supportive of your design idea. Second, use visual aids that are simple and easy to read. Third, use visual aids that are consistent and coherent with your design style and message. Fourth, use visual aids that are balanced and harmonious with your text and speech.

4 Tell a story

Another powerful way to communicate your design idea is to tell a story. A story can help you connect with your audience emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. It can also help you convey your design vision, motivation, and value. To tell a story, you need to have a structure, a plot, and a message. A structure is the way you organize your story, such as beginning, middle, and end. A plot is the way you develop your story, such as setting, characters, conflict, and resolution. A message is the way you deliver your story, such as theme, tone, and style. To tell a story effectively, you need to follow some tips. First, tell a story that is relevant and relatable to your design idea and your audience. Second, tell a story that is engaging and memorable, using suspense, humor, or surprise. Third, tell a story that is clear and concise, using simple and vivid language.

5 Get feedback

The final step is to get feedback on your communication of your design idea. Feedback can help you improve your communication skills, refine your design idea, and build your confidence. Feedback can come from different sources, such as peers, mentors, experts, or users. To get feedback, you need to ask for it, listen to it, and act on it. To ask for feedback, you need to be specific and open-minded. Ask for feedback on specific aspects of your communication, such as clarity, relevance, or persuasiveness. Be open-minded to different opinions and perspectives, and avoid being defensive or dismissive. To listen to feedback, you need to be attentive and respectful. Listen to feedback carefully and respectfully, and try to understand the rationale and intention behind it. Avoid interrupting or arguing with the feedback giver, and ask questions if you need clarification. To act on feedback, you need to be selective and constructive. Select the feedback that is most useful and relevant for your communication, and ignore the feedback that is irrelevant or unhelpful. Use the feedback to make constructive changes to your communication, such as adding, deleting, or modifying elements.

6 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?