Focus

One of my favorite ways to spend time, is to reverse-synthesize (one of the many terminologies I've acquired from my chemist-husband) a design. If I see something that I like, the first thing I'll do is to try and figure out is how it works. In fact, I freely admit, I'm quite addicted to it. Obviously I know I'm not alone in developing this nervous twitch that causes me to right-click in your sleep.

But when you're working on a project and you're trying to pull out the impossible from your arsenal, one of the things to do is to keep in Focus, what you originally intended for the design. I’m saying this because as a designer I know that there’s no end to imagination.

Given this self-imposed need to pursue endless possibilities in an attempt to over-reach oneself, coupled with an already 'bursting-at -the-seams' idea-tank is the perfect path to 'no result'.

Trust me, Ideas, they will keep coming. Have you accomplished (and well) what you wanted? Then move on and deliver already.

Originality

There is something as too much 'Inspiration'.

Everyone is running behind mile-long inspiration lists.

Check out what’s hip, what’s in, but don’t let your ideas get steamrolled by them.

As a designer, design what you think is nice. Let others appreciate YOUR original thought.

As a Freelance designer, there are a few issues of vital importance that need constant monitoring and focus. So how does one keep up with it? You need to have a strategy: It's simple, "organization" is the key. Have a battle plan.

1. Conceptualisation

Sounds big but its not. For me, its the first step. As soon as I have a request for a website, I start the research. Who is the Client, What is the product/service, what and where is the target market, what’s their marketing strategy, who are their competitors, etc. Once the research is done, I start working on the concept.

There are a few different approaches. Some clients know exactly what they want, others, not so much. But whichever way you look at it, your task, really, is marketing.

In whichever manner the process starts the final goal is to SELL - Product, service, Ideas - whatever it maybe. The ultimate idea of it all, is for everyone relevant to read it, to get to know about it and finally to buy it/ use it.

The decision on project parameters and deliverables is the milestone for the project deadline. That’s when the project actually begins.

2. Project Status

Keeping an eye on deadlines, communication, progress : This is what keeps me on track. One important thing I learnt from my mentor, (my Father) whenever you have a long telephone conversation with the client, make notes during and PUT IT IN WRITING. I always send my clients an email afterwards, confirming what was discussed during the conversation.

The other aspect of project status is almost as important as the project itself, i. e, Always keep in focus what you originally intended for the project and where you are with respect to that. Keeping track of all the improvisations, and changes along the way, will keep you on track and help you figure out whether the project is still what it is or has it changed entirely both in terms of the definition as well as the finances.

This is for both, the client as well as the designer - Cash flow requirements should be regularly reviewed. Financial control of the project is a key factor. Keeping up payment schedules is very important. HOLDING UP PAYMENTS IS OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR CONTROL ! When all it really does, is to hold up everything, including deadlines.

3. Clear communication with the Client

This of course, decides the working relationship between you and the client. As a solo player, always be clear, and come up front and say what you need to, lay down your dos and don’ts, because so will they. Once that’s done, it becomes easier to communicate.

From my experience, clients always like to hear from you about the status of their site. So this is where monitoring project status comes handy. You know where you are headed, so a simple communication keeping them in the loop keeps everyone happy.

A project is an interactive, reiterative process. Hence clean, effective communication with client is the key.

4. The After

OK, the site is finally done, and its tested, all possible bugs fixed and it is up and running.

Many times, it's only after something is up and the whole package is seen, used, and surfed out, that the client realizes something’s missing, or forgotten.

So I use the testing phase for maximum feedback. I ask the client to get some of their people, to go through the site so get their feedback on the whole thing, flow, user-friendliness, content, everything. So, any blips can be caulked before going live.

The project is done imagining a certain outcome - so feedback from the end user is of the most importance in ensuring that the result is as close as possible to the vision.

Ok, so now you've read my Pearls Of Wisdom, go forth and design.