How to Present Design Options to a Client Efficiently (…and not go Nuts)

See the original blog post here.

When the client asks us to crank out a bunch of design options, this can turn into a real challenge. The problem here is not only about generating ideas itself, but also the fact that the more time spent on multiple iterations eats into your bottom line. Even still, preferences of the client can change faster than you can say ‘Mississippi’. In this article, we provide you with a list of tips and techniques on how to maximize your time and efficiency when going through multiple design options with your client. We will discuss how to make this process faster, more efficient, and enjoyable for both sides.

Okay so what is the issue with design options?

The profession of a Designer or an Architect is something in-between the career of a baby-sitter and of a psychiatrist. They not only plunge into the mind of the client, their dreams and desires but also provides a guiding hand through the design process itself, educating along the way. One of the initial steps in a project’s journey is providing a number of design options to gauge your audience, this is where the problems begin.

The Problem Client

All problem clients a designer may encounter can be classified into the following archetypes.

1. Mr. I want something else

This type of client usually doesn’t know what they want, which makes it extremely hard to offer them a design solution. With some bad luck one can get stuck in the design development stage for months. And we all know how much effort it requires to generate new ideas. So if you have this type of client, try to avoid playing his rules and put some effort into formulating what his preferences are.

2. Mrs. I hate it all

Such clients are very negative and hard to work with. If your customer doesn’t like any of the options you suggested, it might be worth taking a step back and discussing again, what their aims and desires are. One should understand, that the main reason for such reaction is miscommunication. Try to feel what you customer is expecting from you and why she doesn’t like your options.

3. Ms. Can we mix all options together

It is always good when clients are actively participating and vocal when discussing the project, but sometimes they become too proactive and start mixing it all around. Updating tons of specs just to see how it looks is tiresome and rarely brings any positive effect. So in this case it is important for you to take the lead and control the creative process.

4. Sir I changed my mind

This one is probably the most frequent case of problem clients. And the worst thing here is that they can change their mind at any stage and moment. They will ask you for more revisions and will eat your time going again and again over the options list. The best thing you can do here is have the foresight to charge more for revisions and change orders and outline these terms in your initial meeting and contract. Another good idea is to show great confidence in the variant signed off on, since in plenty cases these clients are just in doubt and have difficulties with taking decision themselves.

What techniques should I use to make showing design options more efficient?

No doubt you already realize that developing design options for a client can be a real pain. Luckily, there are a number of tricks and techniques you can use in order to avoid the pitfalls and crank out great ideas that will be signed off and approved.

1. Limit options offered

Another trick you can take is not showing too many options all at once. Limit the amount of variants to two or three, otherwise the client will feel like a kid in a candy store and it would be hard for him to decide on something in addition to feeling as though you don’t know what you’re doing. It is fine if you have many more ideas, just think first, which ones your client would like best and offer only the most suitable options. This will let you save your time and better guide your client over the project.

2. Take Like/Hate Pile approach

Quite often a designer can’t even begin to start developing options, since a client has no idea what they want or what they like. In this case take a Like/Hate Pile approach. All you need is a bunch of photos that show different design styles, furniture and accessories. Ask your client to sort them into two piles: the one they love and the one they hate. It would be even better if the client would have to find images for these piles themselves. This would allow them to flush out in their own mind what they have envisioned as a solution to the design problem at a more detailed level.

3. Ask ‘Pyramid’ questions

And finally, don’t be shy to ask too many questions. Make sure you understand the spirit and aesthetics your client wants to create. Start by asking generic questions like ‘What colors do you like?’ and then go to more specific ones, e.g. ‘How this room would be used?’, ‘How important is it to have a writing desk here?’ etc. By narrowing questions step-by-step you will make it easier for your clients to answer them, by the time you direct the conversation into greater detail, they will already have some picture in their heads.

4. Use Mood board tools

The main problem with showing and updating multiple design options that properly convey an idea is that it takes a lot of time. To make things easier, it is better to start by presenting mood boards where different furniture, finishes, and accessories are shown together to create an all encompassing design intent. This would let the client get a better look & feel of the ideas you suggest in a more comprehensive way. Later you can develop the ideas into more detailed plans.

Some designers use Polyvore or Pinterest for creating mood boards, but they are not designed for professional purposes. We suggest that you use the Moodboard option the Fohlio platform offers for interior designers.

Its smart browser plugin let’s you quickly add product information from any webpage with simple clicks, and then organize products by schedule and location layers. One can generate stylish mood boards via thumbnail gallery view and professional presentation documents. You can update them just in a few clicks, which is great for onsite work. Give it a try now!

As you see, showing design options can really do a lot of good for the project. Try out the techniques we suggest, and tell us in the comments what other techniques our readers can consider.