What do you do if your design concepts are met with skepticism?

If you encounter any misconceptions or misunderstandings, address them calmly and provide the correct information. Be patient in explaining the correct facts and be open to answering any further questions they may have. Encourage the other person to ask questions and engage in a dialogue. This can help clarify any doubts they may have and foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter. By listening first, you create a foundation of trust and respect, which can help pave the way for a more constructive and collaborative discussion about your design concepts. It also allows you to address their concerns more effectively and find common ground.

Handling skepticism towards your design concepts with grace and effectiveness is crucial in maintaining a positive client relationship and ensuring the success of a project.

Imagine trying to listen with patience when someone is criticizing your hard work! But the more difficult a task, the more output you can get out of it. And that is true here as well. Lend your ear to the thoughts and reasons that the skeptic is giving. Try to understand them and ask questions as well if needed. This is your bad day but make sure that it does not repeat and to do that, you need to know what went wrong today.

Na minha experiência de trabalho, ouvir e interpretar o que realmente o cliente espera, na sequência analisar e estudar bem todas as possibilidades do projeto, é o melhor caminho para um resultado positivo e sem intercorrências.

Often, when trying to explain something to someone who is having difficulty understanding, I observe their unique learning styles. This is important because individuals have different ways of processing information; for instance, some may have a more analytical, engineering-oriented mindset while others may have a more creative, artistic perspective. I adjust my language and methods of explanation accordingly. When interacting with someone with an artistic mindset, I focus on discussing colors, flow, and other aesthetics, and like an engineer, I use precise language and provide formulaic explanations. By tailoring my approach, I can convey information and connect with different individuals based on their preferences and cognitive styles.

Explain your points using clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the other person. Break down complex concepts into simpler terms to ensure better understanding. Support your explanations with evidence and examples whenever possible. This can help make your points more tangible and relatable. Visual aids, such as charts or diagrams, can also be helpful in conveying information effectively. Remember that educating others is a two-way process. Actively listen to their questions, concerns, and comments. Show empathy and understanding towards their perspective, even if you disagree with it. This will create a more conducive environment for learning and discussion.

Use your expertise to explain the rationale behind your design choices. This can include discussing why certain colours, layouts, or materials were chosen based on functionality, aesthetics, or compliance with design standards.

Most skepticism met with will be due either to an inability to visualize the final space or a lack of understanding of the material system attributes. The first reason is easily addressed with material samples, renderings, and various other presentation materials. The second may require more research on your end. You will already know which of the materials and equipment in the design are true standouts when it comes to meeting this client’s specific needs - figure out concise, articulate language to deliver the necessary data and statistics that explain how these features work to solve their problems, whether they be efficiency, accessibility, sustainability, user friendliness, or something entirely separate.

When using your expertise to educate clients always provide context. Offer context by discussing the thought process behind your design decisions. Explain the rationale behind each element, from color choices to spatial arrangements. Help clients understand how each aspect contributes to the overall vision. And don't forget to encourage questions, a client that is not sharing concerns or expressing their queries could lead to a frustration of unmet expectations.

I find that many clients are so influenced by social media, expectations can be difficult to meet when it comes to budget constraints and functionality. Clearly explaining certain aspects regarding durability, functionality and most importantly timeless design in regard to individual needs and lifestyles is of upmost importance when designing for an array of clients!

Sometimes clients might struggle to visualise a design concept. Showing examples of similar designs or providing 3D visuals can help them better understand the proposed ideas and how they might work in their space.

Utilize visual aids such as sketches, mood boards, renderings, or material samples to illustrate your design concepts. Visual representations can make abstract ideas more tangible and easier for clients to grasp.

I find it most helpful to present detailed visuals to clients including all proposed components of a design project. What most find difficult to visual separately will immediately become clear and exciting, when combined in a well implemented visual!

Understanding the reason behind the skepticism is the key and hearing out the client first is important. Once you have an idea of the real reason, it is up to the designer to explain the concepts in detail backed with visuals and strong examples that will clarify their doubts. Giving suitable reasons and explaining how the concept elevates the design and overall experience will help in getting rid of any misconception. Use visuals such as 3Ds,drawings or examples from similar projects that you have successfully completed. Give them assurance and most often than not clear discussions help the client in understanding and helps in making the project course smoother.

In the end, it's their space you're creating. If you've met their goals this far, it might be a simiple small compromise. But if the only compromise they'll agree to undermines the overall design concept, then that's a sign the overarching concept isn't right for them. Walk back through it together, and if they agree that this area of concern is more important than the existing design concept, re-think the overall idea to bring cohesion back to the project.

After the meeting, provide a detailed summary of what was discussed, including the concerns raised and how you intend to address them. This documentation keeps both parties accountable and ensures mutual understanding moving forward.

With many years under my design belt, I think the most important thing about designing for individuals is to remember that it is their home or space. The design must come first and foremost from listening to the client's desires, ideas and needs! The finished product should reflect a client's wishes, preferences or ideas; with the designer's expertise simply bringing it to life in a beautiful, timeless and cohesive way!