“I am a novice web designer, what to ask the client before starting a project? “. It is right to dispel this doubt. In fact, I’ll tell you more: asking questions in the initial phase of a new job is also essential for experienced web designers.

Asking the right questions will help you understand the needs of those who have decided to rely on you. In addition, the work will take on more defined contours minimizing the risk of any revisions.

In other words, the interview will allow you to establish common ground: the prospect will feel heard and involved in the creative process. And you will be able to lay the foundations for building a relationship based on trust and collaboration.

Without forgetting that this “chat” could suggest new ideas for the design solutions you will create. In short, the exchange of information will enrich both parties.

Not only. The questions you ask the client will help you to create an effective design brief. What am I talking about? Let’s proceed in small steps.

Let’s find out the questions to ask the customer for the creation of a design brief.

What is an effective design brief?

What is a brief or design brief? A document that the web designer needs to understand the business needs he has to satisfy.

In practice, through the creation of an effective brief you will know what results you will have to achieve and the objectives to be achieved through the project that has been commissioned to you.

Why is it important to create an effective brief?

To know clearly what the customer needs from the first moment. In addition, you will save time and avoid misunderstandings and failures.

I know what you’re thinking: “Basically, making a good brief means working with greater confidence, right? ” Yes and from the very first steps.

When to do the design brief?

The moment you are contacted by the customer. You can choose two modes: A voice interview in presence, over the phone or via video call.

Or you can email a questionnaire to which the interlocutor can answer without haste. And here we are at the key theme: what are the questions to ask the client for the creation of a design brief? Let’s see.

Trace the identikit of the company

The first questions to ask the customer for the creation of a design brief concern the company. The goal is to understand who you are interfacing with.

Here are some useful questions:

  • What does your company or business do?
  • What is its history?
  • What is the mission?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses?
  • Who are the competitors?
  • What is unique about the competition?
  • Who is the target audience based on gender, ethnicity, geographical origin, habits, tastes and age?

These questions will outline the salient aspects of the reality with which you will collaborate and will influence your work. Just think about how important it is to know the target customer of the company to create a project that attracts the attention of a certain type of people.

If the project, for example, is aimed at a female audience, you will need to choose a font type, shape and color palette. The speech is similar if the company is aimed at adult men, adolescents and the elderly.

In the case of a mixed audience, you will probably be asked to use neutral elements.

Outline the aspects related to your work as a web designer

Among the questions to ask the customer for the creation of an effective design brief like Weboost 472154, there is also the part that focuses on the work of the web designer who will be divided into two areas: the first will be organizational and focused on your position.

The other, on the other hand, is creative activity. To start, try to figure out if the person you are talking to is the end customer or an intermediary.

So he asks:

  • How many people are involved in the project?
  • Who will evaluate my work?
  • Who will be my contact person?
  • How do you prefer to communicate, by email or by phone?
  • How often do you want to receive feedback on the project?
  • What is the final deadline?

Then, try asking a few questions that will help shape the design project on a practical level. For example:

  • What elements does your design need?
  • Where will my product be used?
  • What are the communication distribution channels?
  • What files and formats do you need?
  • What style are you looking for?

To be clear on the last point: understand if the potential customer wants a balanced and minimalist style or is not afraid to experiment.

The budget available

Any other questions to ask the client for the creation of a design brief? Of course, you need to establish your compensation. Don’t be afraid to ask this question, it’s your right.

On the other hand, when you decide to create a good design brief you cannot overlook this factor.

In addition to the pleasure of immersing yourself in a stimulating project, you must always think about the remuneration. This aspect is built taking into consideration the time available, the level of difficulty and any urgencies.

Therefore, before communicating a price through the quote, try to understand how much the customer is willing to spend. The question is straightforward:

What’s the budget?

This way you will know if you really want to partner with the company.

The questions to ask the customer for the creation of a design brief: your experience

In this article, I have suggested questions to ask the client to create an effective design brief. Of course, they will have to be remodeled according to the type of reality you come into contact with and the project you will have to carry out.

However, these questions represent the starting point for establishing a lasting and clear relationship. Now I leave the word to you. What are the questions to ask the customer for the creation of an effective design brief?