Teaming up with a designer can be a thrill—or a trial. The game-changer? A well-thought-out design brief.
A sharp brief cuts down on time, keeps costs in check, and ensures alignment. It helps the web designer nail your vision, preferences, and project needs without guesswork.
If you’re tapping into web design services, here’s how to craft a brief that works—no filler, just focus.
1. Paint the Picture
Start with the core details. Give enough context to set the stage.
- What’s your business about?
- Who’s your audience?
- What’s this design meant to do?
Example:
“We’re a local gym. Our website needs to showcase classes, trainer profiles, and a signup form. It should feel energetic, welcoming, and mobile-ready.”
Keep it concise. Skip the company lore. Designers need a clear starting point, not a novel.
2. Detail the Deliverables
Be upfront about what you need. A full website? Just a landing page?
List:
- Number of pages or assets
- Specific features (e.g., booking system, testimonials)
- File formats expected
For web design services, clarify:
- Design only, or coding too?
- Will you provide content, or is that their task?
This prevents scope creep and confusion.
3. Show What You Mean
Words like “fresh” or “dynamic” are open to interpretation. Visuals are universal.
- Share links to 2–3 websites you admire
- Call out what works (layout, palette, navigation)
- Explain why they fit your vibe
- Include 1–2 examples of what to avoid
Vague adjectives muddy the waters. Visuals keep things crystal clear.
4. Plan for Content
Designs are built around content. No content, no progress.
Provide or schedule:
- Logos
- Images
- Text (headlines, copy)
- Media (videos, icons)
- Brand assets (colors, fonts)
If content’s not ready, say when it’ll drop—or ask the designer to use placeholders.
5. Lock in Deadlines
Deadlines keep things moving. Ambiguity stalls progress.
Specify:
- First draft due date
- Final delivery timeline
- Any tied-in milestones (e.g., a campaign launch)
Build in time for revisions. “Soon” isn’t enough. Give firm dates.
6. Talk Budget
Money defines what’s possible. Sharing your budget helps the designer scope the work.
Include:
- A budget range
- What’s fixed vs. flexible
Example:
“We’ve got $3,000 for a homepage, services page, and mobile optimization.”
This aligns expectations from the start.
7. Map Out Feedback
Who’s calling the shots? Clarify the approval process.
- Who reviews drafts?
- How many revision rounds?
- Who gives final approval?
One decision-maker keeps it simple. A team? Be clear. More voices mean more time.
8. Flag Technical Specs
If the site needs to work with a specific platform (e.g., WordPress, Shopify), mention it.
Also note:
- Accessibility standards
- Performance goals (e.g., quick load times)
- SEO requirements
You don’t need to be a tech whiz. Just share what matters, and the web designer will follow up.
9. Keep It Streamlined
A brief doesn’t need to be a tome. It needs to be sharp.
Avoid:
- “Make it stand out!”
- “It should feel bold but subtle.”
- “Surprise us!”
Vague buzzwords create chaos. Stick to clear goals and examples.
10. Give Creative Space
Once the brief is done, let the designer do their thing. Great design takes collaboration and iteration.
- Respond promptly to drafts
- Be open to their ideas
- Don’t micromanage
You’re hiring a web designer for their expertise, not just to follow a checklist. Trust their process.
Final Take
A great brief doesn’t need hype or jargon. It needs precision. You don’t need to be a design pro—just explain what you want, why it matters, and what success looks like.
Whether you’re working with a freelancer or a firm offering web design services, a solid brief is your guide. It keeps the project on track, the budget in line, and the results on point.
Get the brief right, and the design will follow suit.
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