This is probably the most difficult thing to do when
starting a new project. Everyone has a different way of expressing things and
sometimes it can be a bit difficult to understand exactly what it is the client
wants.
Sometimes the client has images, drawings, plans, layouts
and everything planned exactly how they want. It’s rare, but it does happen.
When it does the whole project goes amazingly smoothly and everything falls
into place very quickly.
The next level is when the client has a specific idea in
mind but no actual plans written or drawn out. This is still extremely useful
and helpful and we at ASIT Group have found it most beneficial to quickly draw
up a few different possibilities based on what we understood from the client
and ask them which one is closest or for them to mix and match the
possibilities. Eventually the client does get what they want but it may take a
little bit longer.
The final level is when a client has nothing. Literally
nothing to give you. They might be able to give you a word, like ‘inspiring’
and that’s all. It then becomes extremely difficult to understand what the
client wants their product to look, act and feel. It becomes necessary to
approach the project more like an artist than an engineer and the whole process
becomes very iterative.
The final issue to consider is how much input you should
have. The client may have a very specific image in their mind but, it might be
bad. It might be really bad. So bad that the internet should never see it. What
can you do? You can advise the client not to proceed with that idea, you can
present other possibilities to them but if they are stuck on their train of
thought then they will want their idea to be produced, no matter how hideous.
The best you can do is offer the alternatives but in the end you will develop
the product and the client will be happy and that’s all that matters.
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