I know we all tend to have the same exact workflow with every client we work with. It only makes sense. I mean, if something works well, why do it any differently? Well, what if by doing it differently you could actually do it better? That’s what today’s video is about.
I have been exploring ways to make my Wordpress Designers more about the client and less about me as a designer. In exploring for ways to make this happen I began to wonder what it would be like if I tried changing up my design workflow to be more client friendly.
Basically, what I did was talk to the client several times until I felt I had a pretty good idea of how the client liked to do things. For example, was he going to be a very hands on client, or was just going to be happy with anything I did? Did he seem like he had a very specific idea in mind or was he unsure of what he want exactly?
It seemed to me that if I adjusted my workflow to better suit the type of client that I was working with the benefits would be plentiful. By adjusting my workflow to fit the client, I would have less headaches (maybe), eliminate wasted time on design and development, give the client a more personalized experience, let the client feel more involved, and most importantly; the ability to build n even stronger relationship with the client.
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Hell yeah we wanna know how to make that magnetic wall!
nice piece, makes sense, but you’ve got me more interested in the magnetic wall now.
Nice post. I think you hit on a couple good ideas. I have noticed that I have clients whose working style vary from each other and the way that I work. You are right to say that it helps save headaches/time/stress to get acquainted with your clients’ working style. If you find out what their expectations for the project are early-on, you save a lot of back and forth and wasted time. This is definitely one of the important lessons I have learned and are trying to improve upon.
Im 15, and i just got a little job sub contracting for a company that designs websites. I work from my computer in my room, and i send screenshots back and forth like you said. The i get feedback and fix it to how he wants it. I like it better like that way.
Hi, Danny and Everyone,
Good podcast! You gave me much food for thought. I definitely go along with the idea of getting to know the client by ‘feeling them out’. We all know that this is not that easy. When we do find a formula that works, the next client comes along and shoots it down for us. LOL
I like the idea, too, of submitting the various components, individually, to the client, as we do them. It would beat working on the whole project, vesting all that time, then, having the client pick it completely apart, or, just not be satisfied. I would think this would make things clearer, and, ultimately, easier on us.
I’ve learned a lot of little things through my life. I’m almost 55. One thing that I have seared in my brain is that people are unpredictable. These ideas are excellent. But, ultimately, the only thing we can control is ourselves. A good work ethic, being able to ‘hear’ what the client is asking for, meeting promised deadlines, and honesty are some things we can guarantee. You are the only one who can do this. I think, though, that if you let the client feel that they are the most important person to you, you’re on the way.
Doing as you suggest is setting you on the right path. Getting the feel of the client’s need, desires and quirks, shows you are more than just interested in their check. It gives you more ‘material’ to use for that client’s project, as well. That is a plus.
I don’t know if that helped, or not. LOL I admire that you give this much thought to your work.
Til the next time…
Su
Well, instead of feeling your clients (im not saying feeling is wrong), i personally feel its better to have a process centric approach to understand your clients better. In this case, using a centric approach allows you to look at the results and over time, help you better in “feeling” your clients.
I like the main point of this podcast. Some projects and some clients deserve different approaches. Some clients need their hand to be held and some need the space.
The only issue I see with the specific process you talk about is that depending on how the presentation is framed you may make the client feel like they are being relied upon to make all the minute decisions.
Clients hire us for our expertise in web design and development. So long as we have good reason behind our designs and content placement the process perhaps becomes a little less important as the research and having open communication channels.
This reminds me of a time when i was skateboarding and a homeless guy stopped me by explaining to me that his car broke down at work and he needed gas money… I ran in to him the next day at a different location and tried to give me the same story! I suggested that he change it up and realize that he was talking to the same kid as yesterday. lol He didnt get money from me that second day :/
Thanks for another great video. Now I’m interested in Magnetic Wall like everyone else.
I like the idea of magnetic wall, probably directing towards nice approach I believe.