aListApart 200

Good article : Designing Through The Storm on their latest issue.

This is what I replied in the Discussion:

When I hit a wall in terms of creativity, I don’t do any work for a couple of days – no design, no brainstorming – I just let the deadline creep up on me and then Eureka! I get some good ideas and finish the work on time. This ALWAYS works for me – whether I do it consciously – on purpose or sub-consciously.

I’d like to add one more thing though – when you say that goals should be established before beginning – instead of just the design and project goals, it helps to set some goals on how to deal with the client as well – observe your client carefully and learn how they react to your aggressive advice / humble recommendations / technical explanation to support your recommendation etc. It will give you a very clear idea of whether the client wants you to be creative or just wants a scribble on a piece of paper according to his / her pre-conceived notions. It’s saved me a lot of time.

Get everything in writing – especially the approvals – is the best advice I’ve received from my ex-boss. It’s a no-brainer but it’s surprising how many times I find myself almost saying “It’s ok, you’ve confirmed over the phone, you don’t really need to send an e-mail.”

I work remotely with almost all my clients. If something goes wrong – and the client replies via e-mail – the best way to calm down is to pick up the phone and give them a call. Apart from the fact that you just might find out what the real problem is, the client will know that you are interested in setting things right – delayed communication is as good as no communication. Sometimes, however tough it might be, just grab the phone and TALK to the client.

Like there’s no telepathy in love [ you have to tell the object of you affection that you love them – OUT LOUD ], similarly, there is no telepathy in design!