How a designer should best approach a client or company Essay Example

presentation. Determining pricing and project timelines are crucial aspects addressed in the text alongside gathering information from interviews with designers/makers.

This text provides valuable and interesting information on how to effectively communicate and conduct the design process with clients, from understanding their needs to delivering the final product. The research conducted involved interviewing different designers, each with their own unique perspectives and approaches. By gathering information and experiences through a questionnaire, the goal was to understand the best practices and attitudes when interacting with clients, while also identifying what should be avoided during the client interview process. This research aims to identify both effective and ineffective methods for conducting interviews with clients. (source: The abc of interviewing by Martin Higham)The provided information can aid me in evaluating and choosing the most suitable approach for myself. It is important to remember that each person has their own preferred method, so this may not be effective for everyone. Additionally, by analyzing the information gathered from interviewing different designers and implementing their strategies, I am not guaranteed success. However, it does offer a variety of perspectives for me to contemplate and ultimately decide on my own. To initiate the interviews, I presumed that the designer had no prior acquaintance with the client.

I believed that this would be the most advantageous and potentially challenging situation for both the designer and the client (Interviewing by Glynis M. Breakwell). If I had crafted my questionnaire based on the assumption that both the client and designer had previous encounters, it could have possibly simplified things and not required as much detailed information or knowledge from the questionnaire. Typically, the first interaction between a

designer and their new client occurs through a phone call, which sets the initial impression and allows for assumptions about each other. Although it may seem early and perhaps insignificant, it is crucial to maintain politeness while conducting business. It is vital to speak clearly, be precise, and give off an impression of professionalism and an organized business. At this stage, the conversation mainly focuses on discussing the brief and covering basic points about the client such as their name, address, and what they are looking to have made.

The designers asked the client how they had discovered them, which is a positive sign if someone has recommended their services. It indicates that their work is being promoted and generating more demand. It also assures the client that they will receive a successful and high-quality product based on the designers' prior craftsmanship. In general, most designers prefer to visit the client rather than having them come to their location. This allows the designer to gain insight into the client's lifestyle and surroundings, aiding in determining the appropriate design style that suits them. This knowledge takes into account factors such as age, interests, lifestyle, and wealth.

Visiting a client's premises within a week of initial phone contact is crucial to demonstrate professionalism and organization. Among designers, there was disagreement about traveling long distances for designing and making relatively small, low-cost products like coffee tables. Most designers felt that it wasn't feasible to travel fifty miles for a two-hundred-pound product. However, some designers were open to the idea but would charge for their travel time. The decision depended on the circumstances of both the designer and the client. A

designer with little work would readily accept the job, while one with many high-paying assignments would likely decline it as insignificant.

If the client had been impressed by previous work or received recommendations, they might be willing to pay for the product. Personally, I believe it's important to accept any job regardless of circumstances because it can potentially lead to larger and more profitable projects. Therefore, establishing a broad customer base is crucial when starting a business as a newcomer in the industry.