“How to work with a Designer” -Daniel Will Harris- Presented by Jae Lee

Main points Do… 1. Choose the right designer 1. Choose the right designer 2. Do researches before you talk to a designer and be specific with features and needs 2. Do researches before you talk to a designer and be specific with features and needs 3. Be clear with the content 3. Be clear with the content 4. Explain the reason for your preference 4. Explain the reason for your preference 5. Design for the viewers not for yourself 5. Design for the viewers not for yourself

Main points Don’t… 6. Do not be stuck with an idea 6. Do not be stuck with an idea 7. Do not have more than one person make decisions 7. Do not have more than one person make decisions 8. Do not tell your designer how to design 8. Do not tell your designer how to design 9. Do not try to satisfy everyone with the design 9. Do not try to satisfy everyone with the design

1. Choose the right designer Take a look at their previous work or portfolio before choosing a designer. First priority of a design is to fit the customer’s needs. Award or famous “Signature look” does not mean that the design fulfilled the needs of that particular customer.

2. Do research before you talk to a designer and be specific with features and needs It is important that the designer knows what to design for from the start. For example, say you are making a drink bottle specifically designed for your gym members. You need to let your designer know that the bottle will have to be durable and prevent spills and such. It is hard to fit new features in later in the design process.

3. Be clear with the content If you are clear with what you want to say with the design it is easier for the designer to work and make suggestions to make it better.

5. Design for the customers not for yourself You have to be specific when you discuss target customers of the product. No matter how much you like the design, if customers are not impressed you are wasting your money.

6. Do not be stuck with an idea If you thought about an image and force it to the designer you might as well design it yourself. You are paying the designer to buy their idea and make it happen so do not be afraid to listen to some new suggestions that designer has to make.

7. Do not have more than one person make decisions You will have many people giving their ideas to the project. However, if you have many people contributing to the direction of the work, most likely it will turn out bad. Have only one person make decisions.

8. Do not tell your designer how to design It is not wise to tell the designer how to do their job. You can tell them about your needs and features you desire but putting them together is their expertise. Give them the authority to do their work because that is what you are paying for.

9. Do not try to satisfy everyone with the design It is not possible to get everyone to love your project. You may be able to satisfy everyone with a passing grade but if nobody hates it then nobody will love it either. Give your project some personality and try to have as many serious fans as possible.

Conclusion It is important to be specific about what your needs and goals are when you hire a designer. Also be aware not to confuse your reasonable preference with your pre- conceived image of what you think it should look like. Give the designers the necessary information and let them do their work to get most out of your money.

Questions?