1. Defining the Problem
   
   1. Properly define the problem. Decision made at this stage will affect lather phases of the project and will relate directly to the success or failure of the job.
   2. Clients have a basic idea of what they are looking for. This is the time for the designer to ask specific questions to determine the client’s exact expectations for the project.
   3. Properly defining the problem means first finding out what design should accomplish and determining the best form for the design. Clients will look to designer to assist them in choosing the best way to communicate their messages.


2. Developing Budget
   Designer develops a preliminary budget – charges for time, costs for other people who work on the project (such as production, illustrators and photographers). Also costs for materials and production of the final design.
   
   
3. Cost –estimating Techniques
   
   1. Large design firm have set rates for charges; client will not involve in the process except to estimate time for the job.
   2. Another cost-estimating technique is to charge on a per-project, flat rate fee. Design fee will vary from job to job.
   3. When figuring out your personal design fees, do not undervalue your work. If you charges too little, you will not get satisfaction out of the job and you will not gain the client’s respect.
   4. Charges for subcontractors such as illustrators, photographers, other designers that involved in the design process must be included in your bid. Cost for paper, printing and other production materials for the final production run round out the final cost estimates.
   5. Go over item by item to ensure that the client is comfortable with the price of the job.


4. Developing a Schedule
   
   1. A project schedule helps keep the project on tract and assist the designer in juggling more than one project at a time.
   2. Creating a weekly or monthly chart.
   3. When developing a schedule, it is best to work in reverse, starting with the delivery date of the job to the client. From there, it can be determined how much time is needed to finish each phase of the project.
   4. Do not assume that any subcontractors will be able to adapt the schedule. Get the commitment from them for the date required.
   5. Do not procrastinate. It is important to remember that each phase of the project takes time to get finished and missing one deadline can cause the entire project to suffer.


5. Gathering Information.
   
   1. Information gathering is an integral part of the design process and is a process that continues through all phases of a project. The amount of research needed depends on size of the job, the budget and the timeframe allowed for the project.
   2. Research helps to better understand the project to see variations that others have done in similar areas of design.
   3. When going historical research, it is important to remember that you are looking for inspiration – not the answer to your problem.
   4. Also think about how the design will be used after it completed. (ability to be recycled and impact on the environment if it cannot be recycled.


6. Thumbnail Sketches
   
   1. Thumbnail sketches are the first step in any design project. It allow designer to explore ideas visually.
   2. Thumbnails help the designer to think visually about the problem at hand and are the first step to a creative solution.
   3. The purpose of creating thumbnails is to create wide variety of simple ideas in a short amount of time.
   4. Don’t rush to find the right solution to the design problem, use this process to play with many different ways of thinking about the problem.
   5. Thumbnail sketches are often small and lack specific detail.


7. Preliminary Comps
   
   1. Taking one or more of the thumbnail ideas, designer develops a preliminary composite (commonly known as a comp and sometimes referred to as a rough comp or a rough).
   2. This is the first used to see how a thumbnail idea will work at actual size and more detailed than a thumbnail sketch.
   3. More accurately, color is introduced and decisions about photography or illustrations are implied in the preliminary comps. May be created on a computer or by hand.
   4. It is important to present preliminary comps to the client as beginning ideas, client should be encourage to suggest changes as needed.


8. Final Comps
   
   1. Final comps are the closest example of how the final job will look. These are most often done with the use of a computer, using a actual typefaces and colors of the final design with all the required elements in place.
   2. Final comps are the best concept prepared for presentation to the client. Ideas created at the thumbnail stage are evaluated, refined and developed into final comps with many changes along the way.


9. Presentation
   
   1. The initial presentation to the client is very important to show the client how the design solutions address his/her concerns and at the same time get feedback for any changes.
   2. Usually several of design ideas are presented to the client. The success of the first presentation depends on the designer’s ability to answer any questions from client.
   3. Do not assume the client remembers everything. Review the project from the beginning and repeat any positive feedback that received during previous meeting.
   4. After presentation, the client should initial any approvals or minor changers to be made.
   5. Never present anything to your client that you are not happy with your self.


10. Critique
    
    1. Client will have opportunity to critique your work. Be open to the comments given and do not afraid to explain your concepts when necessary.
    2. Make notes and changes to the work on an overlay so that you will remember what should be altered.


11. Changes and Correction
    
    1. When you are asked to make changes or corrections in your design, be careful to make only those changes requested by the client.
    2. If you feel it is necessary to make changes other than those specified by the client, go back for approval before proceeding or present your new ideas on a separate comp to be discussed with the client.


12. Final Presentation
    
    1. A final review is necessary if many changes were required by the client, approvals were not given at the first presentation or if the client requests it.
    2. This stage of presentation may have to be even more polished than the first one.
    3. If the client signs off on the project after this presentation, it is time to go into production.


13. Production
    
    1. Production techniques vary from one project to another.
    2. Designer will always be looking for the best quality at the lowest price. He/she also will ensure that the project is completed correctly.
    3. Always check with the printer to make sure any computer files are in the correct format for their use. Always make back-up copies of final computer files in case they needed at another time.


14. Final Project Review
    
    1. It is important that you give one last look before moving on. This is an opportunity to review how well the project met its intended goals.
    2. Also look for the problems and successes of each project so that you can learn what steps will aid you in the future.
    3. In printed work, the first evaluation is done as the item comes off the press by checking that the visual elements (colour, print and paper quality) have turned out correctly.

Go to THE DESIGN PROCESS additional notes