Tags for this article: contract, design brief, freelance, guidelines, web design, website building
A design brief is nothing but a written document that is used to describe all the features and scope of the project’s design. This documents is jointly developed by the client and the by the Web designer.
This is not particularly intended to be to be the entire description of the actual designs. It just briefs the goals and objectives of the work that has to be done and they are also designed in such a way that it includes the terms and conditions of the work.
What is the need of Design Brief?
For any process of large designs, design briefs must be part of the work’s planning stage. They are pretty useful for both the client and for the designer as they provide the roadmap for the goals that has to be achieved.
Where to start the building of this design brief?
You as a Freelance Web designer, you will be the instigator for any design brief. While the project client will have the better idea on what he/she will require from their website just beyond making money or else to get more page views. So it is entirely upto the client on project planning and client interviews.
What should be mentioned in a design brief?
Mostly, the design briefs has to include the objective and goals that has to be achieved and also the deadlines or contractual or billing issues. So you have to include some of the things such as:
Site’s goals and objectives
Site’s overview
Entire description of the objectives and goals of the site
If there is a redesign, you have to have the description of the objectives and goals of the project.
Site Audience
The typical description of the audiences that they are trying to attract towards them
Age
Gender
Employment
Interests
Where the site will be used?
At home with slow connection or high connection
In the office
On PDA’s or on the cell phones
On a CDROM
Over a kiosk
Scope of the project
Type of technology that will be required for the project:
Redesign or full site build
HTML development
Ajax development or JavaScript
CSS development
ColdFusion, PHP or ASP
In which language the CGIs are written?
Ecommerce storefront
Flash
Content type of both the designer and the client
Text
Graphics: logos, animation, icons, photos and illustrations
Video
Sound
Localization of above mentioned
Design aspects
Creative design
Conceptual design
Typography
Layout
Colours
Details of the contract
It has to include the project’s details and also include:
Pricing: be specific or general for the need that will be required by the client and make sure the client understands for what he is paying for
Schedule: include the dates of content due and approval dates. Also you have to include the deadline dates as well.
Billing: the date for the invoices and also when the late fees will be assessed.
Copyright: who will own the entire copyright of any design, content etc?