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by Andrew Lam-Po-Tang
Most designers I know want better educated clients. Better educated clients, the logic goes, understand what design can (and cannot) do for them, and know how to work with designers more effectively. Therefore, it is easier for designers to work with them, and there is a better chance the designer will get to do great work.
All of this is true. However, another implication of educated clients is that their expectations of designers are raised.
- If a client understands that design is a professional service, they are likely to expect a written proposal, with terms and conditions. They may even expect to negotiate copyright ownership upfront. And of course, don't forget the most experienced clients who occasionally want to include non-performance penalties in contracts as well.
- If a client understands that design follows a process, they will expect that you have a formal process description, and that you will use your process to create a timeline complete with a critical path and a schedule for key presentations and sign-offs. They will also expect to be able to check progress against that timeline throughout the project.
- If a client understands that detailed briefs and briefing sessions are the key first step in the process, they will expect that, having given you this stuff, that the key points will be reflected in your design and rationale.
- If the client understands that not all designers are equally talented, they are more likely to ask for your "best" designer/s.
The list goes on...
All of this is a good thing for the industry, because it raises the average. However, it can get uncomfortable when it is between you and your educated client, especially if you have failed to meet their expectations of a professional designer. So, if you really believe that better educated clients would make your life easier (and don't we all?), make sure your house is in order first!
| Feedback by Bill Pearson | Wednesday, 18 April 2001 |
"We find that operating within our Quality Assurance
documentation (ISO 9002) is a win win situation for both client and
designer. In fact our clients find it useful for keeping themselves on track
as well."
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The views expressed this article are not necessarily those of AGDA. Please note that the information in this article is the opinion of the author only. I can therefore accept no responsibility for actions taken on the basis of this information. Copyright Andrew Lam-Po-Tang (andrew@lam-po-tang com), 1998-2008. Permission is granted to freely copy this document in electronic form, or to print, for personal use. Reprinting for non-personal use will require the express permission of the author (which I will generally be very happy to give).
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