How to Write a Design Brief?

Learning how to write a design brief in an effective manner will increase the chances of a successful outcome for a graphic design project. Every graphic designer knows how important a design brief is to a design project. While not all design briefs are exactly the same, graphic designers should know how to write design briefs that includes all of the elements that are important to the overall project.

Table of Contents

The layout of the design brief should be structured and easy to follow. After the title page the design brief should include a table of contents. This keeps the brief organized and makes it easier to reference a topic as needed. A design brief with a good table of contents saves valuable time and minimizes the need for changes in subsequent stages of the design process.

Business Profile

The profile of the company is an important part of the brief that helps the designer to get a feel of the business. The profile will have an overall description of the company that includes what the organization does, how long the company has been in business and the number of employees. The profile can also include how the business fits in with its industry sector.

Objectives

Clearly defined goals work hand in hand with good design to aid the success of any business. A good design brief will include a section outlining the goals and objectives of the company. Such goals include whether the company aims to generate more sales, gather information from the target audience or create added interest. When the designer and client sit down to outline objectives, it helps the designer develop a concept and helps the client identify any weaknesses in their business objectives.

Identifying the Audience

The brief should provide a detailed description of the target audience. The primary and secondary audiences should be identified. The identity of the level audience is usually included. Demographic figures about the audience are also helpful. Another good suggestion for writing a design brief is to describe whether the business is trying to appeal to a new market or just consolidating the client base that currently exists.

Budget and Time

A design brief should include, at a minimum, a ball park figure of the client’s budget. The brief also should mention if there are time constraints or deadlines that have to be met. Good communication regarding the budget and time helps the designer create a realistic solution for the company.

Examples

It is helpful if samples of current promotional materials are included in the design brief along with an explanation of what the client does and the client does not do about the material. This gives the designer a clear insight about the taste and style of the client.

The design brief is a very important reference document to be used throughout the stages of the design process. Communication between the designer and client is needed in order to compose an effective brief. Writing a design brief that is organized and concise will result in a mutually satisfactory design and business relationship. For more information on graphic design, visit the Logo and Graphic Design FAQ section of flyingcowdesign.com