Having been around the block several times, we know how some clients can get fixated on the wrong things when reviewing a design composition. This often frustrates the design team and makes the feedback process stressful for both parties. We want clients to know that they don't need to worry about items that we can change fairly quickly (fonts, colors, etc.) and focus more on making sure our design meets the objectives they have set forth (tone, flow, etc...).

For this reason, we've started giving our clients a quick guide, via email, when we send over the first round of designs. If you're a designer, feel free to use this as well or give us some suggestions on what else you'd put in it. If you're a client, feel free to let us know how it has helped you or share your suggestions on how we can improve.

DO

• give feedback as if through the eyes of the person whom you're targeting


• let us know how the tone feels (colors, wording, style)


• tell us how the flow feels (layout, navigation, eye movement - does your eye move gracefully or fixate on a specific spot)


• let us know if we've missed anything essential to the design.


• most importantly, have fun and show it off (this is custom made for you, so go ahead and feel good about it!)

DON'T

• get too focused on colors or fonts (these can be changed rather quickly)


• let us know how "Harold the janitor" disliked the type on the website if "Harold the janitor" is not the target audience


• take this design to committee (you know what they say, everyone has an opinion)


• tell us we've got it all wrong (there has to be some gold in there!

Elsewhere:

Speak Up > Getting Proper Feedback From Clients

New Fangled > Helping Clients Solve Website Design Problems

New Fangled > Website Profile (pdf)