How to Write a Design Brief? A Few Words about Roadmap to Successful Product Design.
What is a design brief?
Your perfect product is already envisioned in your head, you clearly see it in your imagination and the only thing left is to translate your dreams into something tangible. A skilled designer can help you take your product to the next level and unlock new growth opportunities, however how to spell out exactly what you need and transfer your thoughts to the product designer accordingly? How to identify the scope of work, the core details and the scale of your upcoming project?
Whether you’re a new startup with cutting-edge technology or an established corporation seeking cost-effective solutions, creating a clear path towards your product goals is essential. Enter the design brief, a detailed document that serves as the guiding light for the entire design process and sets the stage for future product success.
In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when writing a product design brief, ensuring that your project gets off to a strong start.
The Anatomy of a Design Brief:
- Client Information or Company Profile:
The product designer needs to know everything about your company and your product. Provide as many details as possible, including your company’s mission, target audience, competitors, and what sets you apart from them. - Clear Project Overview:
Begin your design brief by providing a concise overview of the project. Clearly explain whether you’re building a new product from scratch or redesigning an existing one. Outline technical requirements, define the scope of work, and describe the desired functionality of the future product. - Specify Functional Requirements:
In this section, clearly outline the functional requirements of the product. Describe its core features, functionalities, and any specific technical considerations. Be as detailed as possible to ensure UI and UX designers have a comprehensive understanding of the product’s functionality and limitations. - Describe the User Experience (UX) Goals:
User experience plays a vital role in the success of any product. Clearly articulate the desired user experience goals and how you envision users interacting with the product. Discuss user flow, key interactions, and any specific user experience considerations that are important for the success of the product. - Style Direction
Refer desired look and feel of the new design, the impression it should leave on users, and any brand or style guidelines that are important to follow. Include design samples you like, specifying what exactly you like about them. Share your brand colors, fonts, images, and icons.
It’s also important to mention any design styles or directions you want to avoid. Remember, product designers won’t copy your ideas verbatim; they use them as a starting point for the creative design process and to develop a unique style for your product. - Problems to Solve
Identify the specific problems or challenges you want to address through the design process. Clearly communicate these issues to the UI/UX team and share your concerns and priorities regarding future product design. - Budget and Timeline
Provide a budget estimate, even if it’s a rough figure. This helps designers understand the scope and type of solution they can realistically provide. It’s important to set reasonable time frames to ensure quality results and avoid rushing the design process. - Deliverables and Tools
Specify the preferred tools for design realization. You can discuss this with your development team or seek recommendations from the product design team if you’re unsure about the best options. - Communication and Feedback Channels:
Establish effective communication channels between you and the designers. Specify how often you expect progress updates, the preferred mode of communication (e.g., email, video calls, project management tools), and the process for providing feedback. Clear communication channels will foster collaboration and ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the design process.
Effective communication is vital in all design projects, and the design brief plays a crucial role in facilitating this. A well-structured design brief helps the designer understand your vision, minimizes miscommunication, and prevents costly re-iterations.
