This document discusses methods for designing projects that can scale effectively. It outlines several planning tools like client briefs, creative briefs, idea briefs, co-design sessions, and style boards to help teams think through a project before beginning design work. These "setup" methods are meant to promote thorough planning and ensure all stakeholders are aligned on goals to allow the project to grow gracefully.

1. Design that
scales
Methods and best practices to grow gracefully.
1

2. I am Eileen Allen
Super Mom, Photographer, Designer
& Creative Director @ AtlanticBT
@eileenallen
2

3. 3

4. 4

5. Drink the kool aid
Process... Weʼre talking about process?! (Allen Iversonʼs voice)
You have to buy into your process, but donʼt let it handcuff you.
BRIEF research ideas solution production product
5

6. the setup
The days of starting your project on a blank Photoshop canvas are
done. It requires too much wasted time and energy.
BRIEF research ideas
6

7. Our creative arsenal
Whether you are a team of one, a small shop looking to expand, or a
massive force, you can benefit from thorough planning.
Client Brief / Worksheet
Creative Brief
Idea Brief
Co-Design
Styleboard
This collection of “setup” methods is meant to help us do one thing...
Think Before We Do.
7

8. Client Brief
This is usually the first interaction a client has with our design team.
It allows clients to share their hopes and dreams.
The worksheet is meant to help clients self-evaluate, organize
their thoughts, and share their preferences.
  
8

9. Example Question
How involved do you want to be in the design process of your site?
I trust your expertise and leave the design decisions up to you.
I would like to have a say in the design of my site.
I know exactly what I want and would like you to follow my
instructions.
Visit Atlantic BTʼs Actual Worksheet http://www.atlanticbt.com/client-worksheet.php
9

10. creative brief
This is NOT your grandmaʼs brief. Instead, we ask a series of five
questions during the client kick off meeting.
10

11. creative brief
Define purpose. Why do you feel like you need a site?
Define sales process. How do you communicate who you are to
clients?
Define the users. Who is the site for?
Define the end user goal (for each class if more than one). What
is the desired action?
Define the look and feel. Confirmation of client brief (theme,
colourway, risk factor)
11

12. idea brief
“An idea brief is a sentence, or
two, that sums up the project and
frames it as a problem statement.
A question that needs an answer.”
- Mark Boulton
Source http://www.alistapart.com/articles/savingthespark/
12

13. idea brief
Actual examples of our previous brief briefs include:
This client needs to distinguish themselves from the competition
by making a complex process easy for customers to understand.
This client needs the site to reflect the innovation in their
technology, communicate how they are ahead of the curve in their
industry, and highlight their credibility.
This client needs a site design that better reflects their reputation
and attract high-end clientele.
13

14. co-design
Co-Design is a brainstorming session where the project team
collaborates and share their perspective on the common goals.
Use the idea brief to springboard into the co-design workshop.
Co-Design can happen:
You and a client
You and another designer
You and UX
You and UX and marketing and PM
You and all of the above
The concept was adopted from Leah Buley, formerly of Adaptive Path.
14

15. co-design
The benefits of co-design sessions
include:
No one comes in empty
handed.
Helps to prioritize elements
and features.
We identify/solve the layout
through ideation.
Everyone has a voice, because
all ideas are good ideas.
Bada-bing: Wireframe!
15

16. style board
Itʼs like if a style guide and a mood board had a baby!
Have you ever had a client:
Be surprised by your design choices?
Ever point out that you used the wrong kind of camo for the
background of their military equipment catalog site?
To prevent these surprises and potentially embarrassing mistakes,
we start with style boards to help the client visualize our direction
before we begin designing.
16

17. 17

18. 18

19. style board
The key benefits of a style board include:
Eliminates surprises.
Designers are better prepared.
Avoids designing in a vacuum.
19

20. sharing is caring
20

21. THank You
21

22. Photo Credits
http://designingfortheweb.co.uk/
http://manpacks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/underwear_icon-200x150.png
http://tinawatkins.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/care-bears.jpg
22