Research in the design process ??
Vision Trust Interactive Agency
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It is wrongly believed that starting work on a website design starts with a graphic design. That's why we have to talk about what actually precedes the work on design. The first stage that begins work on the project is research. In our opinion, this is one of the most important stages that we must take into account in order to implement a good, dedicated graphic design.
What do you need to know about research and why is it so important? What should be analyzed and why? Find out in our article.
Research should be a complex process that helps the graphic designer to thoroughly and reliably explore the client's business market: learn about basic issues, competition, business environment. Research also helps in choosing the right website design path - style, typography, color palette, ideas for functionalities.
At Vision Trust, we divide research into three categories: competitor review, analysis and inspiration. We will tell you about our methods and practices that we use in our agency.
1. Competition
It is best to discuss with the client his business market: competition, observations related to a given field of business. So, first of all, focus on talking to the client. Inquire, ask - the client will certainly tell you what to pay attention to, what needs to be checked, which pages, documents, processes you should look at as a designer.
In addition to this, you should also research the client's market yourself and familiarize yourself with the business environment and treat this stage as an understanding of the industry.
Certainly among the competition you will meet both well-designed websites and those incorrect, boring, template or outdated. Just like well-thought-out branding and a complete lack of it. And this is very good, because such experiences build the image and specificity of the industry.
2. Needs analysis
Knowing what the client's expectations are and what industry the project will concern, it's time to analyze the functionalities that are crucial in a given business model. For this purpose, thinking about mock-ups and UX design is slowly starting to appear. We analyze the needs of the group and consult our observations with the client. We are looking for elements that should be in the project.
Often, at this stage, we have an idea for design, colors and typography sprouting in our heads. At Vision Trust, we try to think with solutions and ideas, but in order for the proposed functionalities to be successful, we need to know and understand the market, business and customer target.
3. Inspirations
The last step is to gather inspiration - all kinds of inspiration! Inspiration is the basis for developing a design style - typography, color palette, illustrations, functional solutions. Such research is also a stage when we are able to see what something looks like in the project. It is easier to visualize the project based on the moodboard that we create at this stage.
It is also worth mentioning that in Vision Trust we also ask the client to send benchmarks, which are very important inspiration and information for us. Thanks to this, we can meet the customer's taste and propose a design that will suit the customer.
Remember that inspirations are only a suggestion and motivation for an original project. At Vision Trust, we value a creative approach and original solutions. Let's also add that inspiration for creative heads can be found literally everywhere - on the street, at home, in a cafe or even music.
Summary
Competition
Investigate and inquire. Try to know and understand all the factors that affect your client's business:
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Needs analysis
Knowing the business environment, it's time to know the strengths and weaknesses of the client's business:
Inspirations
Find inspiration everywhere! Inspiration will help you propose an original style and interesting design:
Workshops, research and kick off
The research stage and examining the client's business environment are also discussed during the first kick off.
We have developed a scheme (document), which we complete during the meeting. Thanks to this, we know what to ask, we are sure that all the information we need to start a website project will be complete.
We recommend such a practice, because thanks to this we have a developed scheme of action, and good practices will translate into efficient and effective work.
Why research is important?
When designing a website, you need to know what environment it will refer to. Who will be the users using it. In order to ensure that the project is adapted to the recipients and the company's profile, it is necessary (necessarily) to know the basic information.?
A project that is tailored to the needs of the client and users is a success, which is not only the great work of the designer, motion designer, programmers, but also in-depth research. To effectively design a website, we need to know for whom and why we do it.
Another issue is, of course, going beyond the framework of the scheme and, for example, proposing a website consisting only of typography and animation to a dental office. If such a project is preceded by research, and working on the design is a conscious activity, then it makes sense.
Summary:
Thanks for your attention!
Would you like to implement a branding, website or a mobile application, but you do not know where to start?
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Enjoy and have a nice day! ??