The problem of communication between designer and client

"Customer abuse me thousands of times, I am a customer first love," just how many words out of bitterness, a handful of cross-shaped projection of how much frustration. Designers and clients are not inherent enemies, and many of the problems and misunderstandings can actually be found and can be done. In this, Xiaobian compiled foreign information and combined with their own experience on the basis of feelings, lists the main problems of communication between designers and customers, and put forward some solutions accordingly, hoping to enter the workplace of small partners who Provide reference.

One problem: the lack of effective communication

Problems between the designer and the client often result from inadequate communication. The customer usually only shows what is the last thing they want, and the designer thinks they know the customer's needs. The problem here is that, if it is a mere exchange of ideas, the final product of the designer's brain may be quite different from that of the client.

The problem of communication between the designer and the client is not limited to "quantity" but more to "quality". When designers think the customer's idea is not appropriate, how to cleverly allow customers to accept their own views has become a tricky problem, while some people seem to understand this. The customer wanted a unicorn to appear on his website, and a few days later the designer presented a rainbow. The designer explains it this way: "Alas, the unicorn is just an illusory legend, and I think that cute, real things would be more appropriate, like a rainbow." This is undoubtedly pointing to the client's forehead saying that your The idea is stupid!

Solution: talk to customers more and pay attention to communication skills

When the client comes to you to explain the idea, give him a cup of tea and talk to him well. Ask your clients questions like what color they want, who their target audience is, what their target market is, and what style they want? These questions can help you to develop a more specific, Accurate understanding.

When you realize that your design ideas are better than your customers' ideas, do not rush into design. You should think about how to convince your customers. This not only allows you to avoid wasting time wasting your time on redo because customers always want their ideas to be respected and implemented, and they can also work for you to design your own free space.

Some subtle wording changes can make the result very different, do not begrudge the praise of the customer's ideas, and more in a positive way to guide. Allow customers to feel good about the discussion, making it easier to accept different perspectives and eventually accept changes.

【example】

Your real idea: "Your idea is stupid!

What customers want to hear: "Your thoughts are good and let's discuss further."

2, Your real thoughts: "Haha, how bad is this idea, are you kidding?"

What customers want to hear: "Well, you think good, but it looks complicated and we need to make it better."

3, your real idea: "Your idea simply does not work!"

What the client wants to hear: "Your idea is good and you might as well adjust the two parts to each other. The whole idea will be totally new!"

4, your real idea: "Black simply pulled down the entire design grade!"

What the client wants to hear: "Did you know that this design will be more perfect if the black color is changed to chocolate."

Question two: the lack of image creativity

The customer describes to the designer what the design he wants, but the designer has no idea. It is not because of the designer's technical capabilities but not related, but the lack of creativity. Sometimes even more ideas in the image of customers, they have a full imagination of the design of the image. But designers can not form such an image in their minds, just simply in accordance with the "customer's words" for design.

Solution: Actively looking for inspiration

First clear any ideas that you can not negate, and you can search for related design cases online. But remember, do not steal other people's work, which is equivalent to crime. What you need is inspiration from these similar works.

Then you can tell your clients what they are getting and confirm their thoughts. Which design would they like or hate? The rest of the job will be smoother, and feedback from our clients will help you design unique and creative creations that your customers like.

Question three: the idea is very different

Sometimes, designers not only have rich image creativity and superb design skills, but they still can not produce works that satisfy customers. The reason is very simple, it is because designers and customers on this image completely different ideas. Designers are always looking to create more creative ideas based on their needs. But the problem is that, customers always want to see the results they want, even the designer's intentions will be misunderstood as self-assertion.

Solution: discuss, influence, compromise

Start by sitting down with your client to discuss their thoughts. You know in your heart which places do not work and where you can do better. You have the power to make decisions. You can choose to cater to your customers and discourage them. You also have the option of letting customers accept your ideas through communication. The latter's success depends on whether you can skillfully use the wording and pay attention to communication skills.

Then you need to let your thoughts slowly affect the customer. You have to make the customer feel that you are always designing according to their original requirements, and you are not totally rejecting their ideas. This is crucial because customers will never be happy to see that their original ideas have been overridden.

Finally, there are times when appropriate compromises need to be made. In many cases, it is inevitable to compromise ideas with client requirements. Despite some helplessness, after all, the client decides whether to accept your work or not, and the client will only pay for your efforts if you are satisfied with the result.