What is your Design Project Process?

My design process is a multi-step process that varies for each unique project. While I follow the same basic steps, the detail within those steps varies. A basic outline of my design process, is listed below.

1. Initial Contact: The initial contact is achieved via one of my online questionnaires, email, or phone. From this contact I will obtain a very general overview of the type of project. This steps leads to more detailed questions that I will have for you, which is the next step.
2. Project Detail: In this step I will determine who makes the approvals and decisions for your project. I will want to deal directly with this person as to not waste my time nor yours. Most times the person making the initial contact will be the decision maker, but not always. I will discuss the scope of the project at this time in order to develop a clear understanding.
3. Project Quote: Having a clear understanding of the project, I will be able to provide you with a price quote. The Project Quote document will describe the scope of the project, itemize costs and payment schedule, and describe a general schedule. This document requires signature.
4. Contract: Once the Project Quote is agreed to, I will present a contract which requires signatures from both parties. This document identifies the parties involved, describes the terms and conditions, details the scope of the project, lists the deliverables, and lists the responsibilities of each party.
5. Project Timeline: This document is designed to keep both myself and you on task and aware of our responsibilities to each other. It will set a specific date for the initial design review where the design will be presented. It will establish a due date for edits to the design. It will establish a date for the design signoff.
6. Strategy Brief: The Strategy Brief is a document that describes what the challenge is, what the deliverables are, what the work should emphasize, what the work should accomplish, what the end result should be, the target audience, and what must be accomplished. This document also requires signature and will be presented with the Project Timeline.
7. Development Stage: This is the actual design process. Having a clear understanding of my responsibilities, your goals, and a timeline which should be followed as closely as possible, I will start the process of conveying your message via the medium. A general overview of my design process is: Brainstorming > Sketches > Project Mock-ups > Project Finalization > Delivery.
8. Payment Schedule and Signoffs: I require payments and signoffs throughout the project. This is intended to give both parties a vested interest in seeing the timely completion of the project. I am honest and up front so there are no surprises. I hope that you are as well.

Here is a list of signoffs or signatures that I require through the process and the payment that is due with each:

• Project Quote: The Project Quote requires the signature of both parties.
• Contract: The Contract requires the signature of both parties. 50% of the payment is required at this time.
• Design Signoff: This document requires the signature of the client. There will be a signature line on the bottom of the design mockup. This serves as your approval of the design. The next 25% of the payment is required at this time.
• Project Signoff and Delivery: This document requires the signature of the client. It serves as acknowledgement that you have received the services. At this time I will send you all of the agreed upon files and documents, either on CD or via email. The final 25% payment is required at this time.